Nutritional intervention for persons with autism

Autism is a neurological condition which affects the social interaction and eating patterns. Persons with ASD have difficulty in accepting or trying a new food. He is a picky eater who likes to eat only food with specific color, texture, smell and taste. As he follows a rigid routine he cannot accept slight changes or modification in his diet. The author has discussed on the problems faced by the parents in choosing, introducing the food for their wards and the various nutritional intervention available to choose from. The author has also given recommendation for making a well-adjusted meal and the role played by dietician in choosing a well-balanced and a healthy diet to foster growth and development and to make meal time a lesser ordeal for parents and care givers. Foods frequently liked include cereal (eaten without milk as finger food), chips, pizza, bread and pasta. Some children have constricted food choices. They may like only 10–15 items, only certain brands or methods of preparing food despite being given a wide variety of foods.