Following the increasing amount of scientific research relating to autism, various dietary approaches are being advocated to help those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). This book provides an introduction to the clinical conditions that can cause autistic behaviour and what can be done to significantly improve many of them.The book explores the known genetic conditions linked to autism and describes various dietary interventions. For each approach, the author explores the potential benefits; evidence for and against the diet; and information, where available, on relevant publications, web resources and support groups. The author also looks at the Simple Restriction Diet (SRD) in detail, describing how to implement this approach and how to evaluate its effects.This book will be a valuable resource for families, individuals and professionals wishing to understand and explore the possibilities of dietary interventions and the benefits they can have for those on the autism spectrum.
How to Use This Book. Part I: Diets, ASDs and Dietary Interventions. 1. Introduction to Diet and ASDs. 2. Dietary Inverntions. Part II: Diets for people with ADSs. 3. So, What Diets Are Currently Used With ASD and Why? 4. The Mackarness (low carbohydrate, high-protein) Diet. 5. The Feingold Diet. 6. The Specific Carbohydrate Diet. 7. The CF-GF Diet. 8. The Low Oxalate Diet. 9. The Low Glutamate Diet/GARD (Glutamate-Aspartate Restricted Diet). 10. The Low Phenylanine Diet. 11. The Low Phenol Diet. 12. The Body Ecology Diet. 13. The Rotation Diet. 14. Possible Problems Which Can Present With Current Diets. Part III: The Simple Restriction Diet. 15. About the Simple Restriction Diet and Getting Started. 16. Living on a Simple Restriction Diet. 17. Reintroduction of Foods. 18. How Long is Long Enough to Give Benefit? 19. Summing Up. Resources: Food Table. A Chronology for Dietary Intervention. Background History Form. Food Diary. Further Information on Specific Diets. Glossary of Terms. Helpful Contacts and Websites. A Bibliography of Some of the Best-Known Books on Low-Carbohydrate Diets. References. Subject Index. Author Index.
'Often overlooked by professionals, dietary interventions in autistic spectrum disorders can be very helpful and more importantly, are something that parents and carers can actually do to help the children. However, many different diets have been suggested and parents/carers can waste time and money trying the wrong diet for their particular child. Dr Aitken's book gives much-needed practical advice on matching the diet to the child and clear explanations about the biochemical background involved. Essential reading for anyone caring for a child with ASD.'- Dr Rosemary Waring, University of Birmingham'Given the increased interest in the relationship between diet and autism spectrum conditions, this is a timely publication which is both thorough and balanced in content. Parents and professionals alike will find this book of use by virtue of Ken's meticulous reviews of current scientific evidence for a variety of diets combined with practical advice on the application of such interventions.'- Dr. Paul Whiteley, Autism Research Unit'Dr. Aitken provides a timely synthesis of diet interventions in autistic spectrum disorders set within a framework of historical and political references. This informative work offers invaluable assistance to the wider clinical team, further enabling effective support and guidance to the ASD community in its quest for a healthy future.'- Rosemary Kessick, former CEO of AiA (Allergy Induced Autism
