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Healthy Diet Positively Affects Autism in Children

Healthy Diet Positively Affects Autism in Children
Source: chathamdailynews.ca Date: 03/31/08

Dr. Wendy Edwards has witnessed the impact that a restricted diet can have on a child's behaviour.
Edward's eight-year-old son has autism and has shown significant progress with a gluten and dairy-free diet.

"Within two days of being restricted from gluten and dairy, he was speaking," she said.

Edwards, a local pediatrician who specializes in autism, was a guest speaker at the 2008 Children's Health Forum on Saturday at the Active Lifestyle Centre in Chatham.

The event was organized by The May Court Club of Chatham to raise funds for the Chatham-Kent school nutrition program.

Edwards told a group of about 90 parents, grandparents and caregivers that a lot of learning disabilities could be fixed by changing children's nutritional habits.

Her son is now in Grade 2 and is at the top of his class academically, she said.

"The diet was the first step," she said. "I would say he is 98 per cent cured."

Edwards said parents of children labeled as having a learning disability should consider what effects an unhealthy diet, such as eating processed and fast-foods, can have on a child's ability to concentrate.

"Do we now eat a food that is not treated with something," she asked, noting changing one's diet is "easier said than done."

Edwards cautions against eating foods with red dye added, as well as foods or drinks containing additives and preservatives, aspartame and MSG.

Also, because most fruit and vegetables shipped to the grocery store are picked early, they do not contain as many vitamins, she said.

"You just cannot eat enough food to get the vitamins and minerals you need," she said.

Her solution is to give children multi-vitamins supplements, preferably in the capsule form. She also suggests supplementing amino acids and Omega 3 fatty acids.

"Learning disabilities . . . I believe is only a perspective," she said.

Megan Soloy-Theil, a naturopathic doctor from the McLauchlin Wellness Clinic in Blenheim, said some learning difficulties in children could be linked to food allergies.

Soloy-Theil, also a guest speaker, said many children are allergic to gluten and wheat, dairy, eggs, colours and preservatives. Symptoms of the allergy sometimes manifest as a headache, ear infections, eczema, asthma and upset stomachs.

"Each child is different and you need to look for other symptoms," she said.

By eliminating foods from a child's diet, Soloy-Theil said it is easier to determine the food allergy.

"It's easier to change the diets for young children," she said.

Holistic fitness trainer and nutrition and health research educator, Jeff Boris, also spoke at the forum.

Event co-convener Karen DeKoning, said the forum was organized to raise awareness about the serious health issues arising in children. "I'm hoping everyone will learn something today that will benefit the children in their lives," she said.

Kim Ayers, director of Kid Stuff- The Family Learning Centre on the Thames, said she sees first-hand the effects certain foods can have on a child's behaviour.

It is sometimes easier for parents to pack a lunch filled with "convenience foods," she said. "It's a bigger challenge to ensure your children have healthy lunches."

Germaine Roy-Muirkirk said she wanted to attend the forum to get information on how to ensure her three-year-old grandson is eating healthy.

"It affects your everyday learning," said Andrea Mignault, who also attended the forum. "It's great to optimize their health so they can grow."

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