Functional Food Programme for Autism/ADHD
Functional Food Programme for Autism/ADHD
“Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a group of behaviourally defined neuro-developmental disorders characterised by deficits in social interaction; impairments in verbal and non-verbal communication; and restricted, stereotyped patterns of behaviours and interests.”
While the cause of Autism remains elusive, autism is considered to be a multifactorial disorder that is influenced by genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors.
Approximately 1 in 100 people in Ireland have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis.
If you have a child on the Autism Spectrum you may be well used to things like poor eye contact, poor social skills, interrupted sleeping patterns, hyperactivity, temper tantrums, self-injurious behaviours, lack of speech, repetitive behaviours, obsessive compulsive behaviours, stimming, constipation, diarrhoea, insatiable appetite or indeed really picky eating habits among others. Where do you even begin to help your child feel better and function better in their world?
Could looking at diet contribute to better health?
Diet is such a powerful tool, accessible to everyone and presents great opportunities to support improvements in your child with autism. By making specific changes to your child’s diet in tandem with your paediatrician’s treatment plan; your son/daughter has the opportunity to have better sleeping patterns, less anxiety on a daily basis and a positive change in digestion, for example. The RIGHT nutrients support the body and help repair the functionality of the gastrointestinal tract (GI). A healthy GI tract ensures the proper environment for good bacteria, better enzyme functionality and the ability to digest and absorb nutrients.
Why Food Matters
The right foods and nutrition are essential to good health and equally, good digestion.
Poor digestion can lead to what’s known as ‘leaky gut’ and can result in malabsorption of nutrients, inflammatory responses to foods, and a burden on our detoxification systems. Poor digestion can be caused by several different factors like a toxic environment, lack of good bacteria, inflammation and food allergies, among others. Given the bi-directional nature of the gut-brain axis, the gut is a significant indicator of what is happening in the brain.
Getting Started
My aim with my practice is to help parents of children with autism, get the RIGHT nutrients so they can become happier, healthier and more socially engaged.
Book a complimentary call with me today to find out if our Functional Foods programme is right for your child with Autism. I look forward to working with you and your family.