April is autism awareness month, and each week we will share a list of resources related to one aspect of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This week we are focusing on nutritional support. Follow along on social media to gain additional insights on this topic.
Evidence Supporting a Nutritional Approach for ASD
In this talk, Vicki Kobliner, MS, RDN, shares research behind nutritional approaches to supporting individuals diagnosed with autism. She also explains why these approaches may be suitable for some individuals diagnosed with Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).
Cross-Talk Between Gut & Brain
This talk provides insight into the gut-brain relationship, addressing how the foods we eat can affect neurological function. Alessio Fasano, M.D. shares the information about the relationship between inflammation in gut and the brain. Dr. Fasano has published more than 200 peer-reviewed papers, and has received numerous awards for his translational science and other achievements. In the year 2000, Dr. Fasano’s team discovered “zonulin,” the molecule which regulates intestinal permeability, also known as “leaky gut,” and their groundbreaking research has linked an overproduction of zonulin to the development of a series of autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Implementing Special Diets
Dietary intervention is frequently a component of an evidence-based medical approach, and there is some empirical evidence that special diets help some individuals with autism. This resource includes references, resources, and links for learning more about potentially effective, evidence-based treatments.
Gluten-free/Casein-free diets
Research on special diets for autism is relatively limited, but clinicians, parents, and educators continue to report improvement in symptoms for some patients using a gluten- and casein-free diet. Speaker, Kelly Barnhill, MBA, CN, CCN, is the Director of the Nutrition Clinic at The Johnson Center for Child Health and Development. She is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist with over a decade of experience working with nutrition in children with autism and related disorders.
I’m on a special diet brochure
Do you have a loved one who is following a Gluten-free/Casein-free? This printable resource is designed to be shared with teachers, friends, neighbors, family members, and more. It explains why individuals who are GF/CF cannot take breaks from this diet.
The Role of Neurotransmitters in GI Disorders Related to Autism
In this 2021 presentation, Dr. Kara Gross Margolis discusses research exploring the role enteric neurotransmitters, specifically serotonin and oxytocin, play in enteric nervous system (ENS) development and how, when signaling of either of these neurotransmitters is abnormal, it can result in intestinal inflammation and/or motility dysfunction. Kara Gross Margolis, MD is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and a pediatric gastroenterologist with clinical expertise in brain-gut axis disorders, particularly autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Mood and ASD: Nutritional Strategies for Anxiety and Depression
In this presentation, Vicki Kobliner, MS, RDN, discusses nutritional strategies for addressing anxiety and depression in ASD. Vicki Kobliner is a Registered Dietitian and owner of Holcare Nutrition (www.holcarenutrition.com). She practices a functional nutrition approach to help the body heal itself, and has extensive experience using various diet modalities to help children with autism and related disorders.
Research finds GI issues coincide with challenging behaviors in ASD
A 2019 study from the University of Missouri adds to evidence that challenging behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can be an indication of gastrointestinal (GI) distress. Tune in to learn about the findings from lead researcher Bradley Ferguson, Ph.D. Dr. Ferguson is a University of Missouri Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory Assistant Research Professor Adjunct currently studying the association between immune, endocrine, and psychophysiological markers of stress and gastrointestinal disorders in those with autism spectrum disorder.
Nutritional Neurobiology of Autism: Revisiting the Zinc Hypothesis
Handouts available HERE Recent data support a model in which altered zinc biology may act as a modifiable risk factor within a gene–environment interaction framework in Autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Synergistic Therapies: Combining Nutrition, ABA, and Environmental Interventions in Autism Care
If you’re looking to go beyond a single approach to autism care, this talk offers a comprehensive, whole-child perspective. Dr. Hokehe Eko explores how targeted nutrition, Applied Behavior
Nutrition Research Updates: Five Underappreciated Nutrients that Neurodivergent Kids May Be Missing
Vicki Kobliner, MS, RDN, reviews current nutrition research and shares practical strategies to support the health of neurodivergent children.Handouts are online HERE About the speaker:
Nourishing the Brain: How Targeted Nutrition Can Transform Outcomes in Autism
You can take the knowledge quiz HERE Handouts are available HERE List of referenced nutrient deficient studies available HERE If you're a parent searching for answers beyond standard
Disordered Eating and Autism – Obesity
Francesca Solmi, Ph.D., discusses the intricate link between autism and eating disorders. She outlines common eating disorders, noting their overlapping symptoms and similarities to autism traits. The speaker explores potential mechanisms for
Autism and Gastrointestinal Comorbidities – Research Updates
Mojdeh Mostafavi, MD, describes gastrointestinal conditions commonly seen in individuals with autism, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Eosinophilic GI disease (EGID), avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), disorders of