Autismo y quisquillosidad alimentaria: consejos a la hora de comer para mejorar la nutrición de su hijo

Si tiene un hijo con autismo, es probable que esté al tanto de las aversiones a los alimentos, las sensibilidades y los problemas de comportamiento que pueden surgir a la hora de comer. Es común que los padres de niños con trastorno del espectro autista, o ASD, se preocupen por la dieta y el estado nutricional de sus hijos. Si no se abordan desde el principio, estos problemas también pueden continuar en la edad adulta.

Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability that is estimated to affect 1 in 44 children in the US. Due to issues communicating and restrictions associated with the disorder, ASD can lead to other behaviors that put people at risk for nutritional disorders.

Las personas con TEA a menudo experimentan lo siguiente:

• No adaptarse bien al cambio.
• Estricto con el orden
• Tener intereses obsesivos
• Debe seguir ciertas rutinas.
• Experimenta el hiperenfoque
• Tienen diferentes reacciones a los olores, sonidos, sabores, apariencias y sensaciones de objetos o alimentos.

Estas experiencias, además del aumento del riesgo de ansiedad, depresión, estrés, miedo, hábitos inusuales de sueño y/o alimentación y problemas gastrointestinales, son los factores en los que un estado nutricional deficiente puede entrar en juego.

Si usted o su hijo viven con autismo, hay pasos que puede tomar hoy para aumentar la variedad y el valor nutricional de su dieta. Así es cómo.

¿Cómo afecta el autismo a las personas desde el punto de vista nutricional?

Did you know that 20-30% of people with ASD also have an eating disorder? Issues like restrictive patterns, hyperfocus and emotional dysregulation that are common with ASD can lead to an increased risk of eating disorders, as well as nutritional deficiencies and gastrointestinal disorders.

People with autism are often coined as “picky” or “selective” eaters, often having a small number of foods that feel safe to eat. Research has shown that individuals with autism may be sensitive to the sensory properties of food, which reduces the variety of foods they eat.

Como padre, esto puede hacer que la hora de comer sea frustrante. Esto también es un problema porque puede llevar a comer de menos, a una ingesta inadecuada y, en última instancia, a deficiencias nutricionales.

People with autism also have higher incidences of gastrointestinal problems and food allergies. Issues like diarrhea, constipation, steatorrhea, bloating and acid reflux can increase restrictive eating and/or reduce the absorption of vitamins and minerals, leading to nutritional deficiencies. Having one of the major eight food allergies can also lead to restrictive eating and food fear due to cross-contamination and/or the allergen being a common ingredient in foods.

¿Qué puede hacer para ayudar a su hijo con autismo?

No existe una dieta específica para el TEA. Ha habido poca investigación sobre las dietas sin gluten, sin caseína, sin oro y cetogénicas para el autismo. De lo que se ha investigado sobre estas dietas, la mayoría ha sido en modelos animales o de experiencias anecdóticas.

Por lo tanto, estas dietas no se recomiendan en este momento para el manejo del TEA. Todas estas dietas pueden ser muy restrictivas y provocar deficiencias nutricionales si no son supervisadas por un dietista registrado, por lo que si planea probar una de estas dietas, consulte a un médico.

So, what can be done to help improve nutrition in people with ASD? Here are a few tips on dealing with selective eating and nutritional deficiencies:

• Expand on foods that your child already likes. If your child likes oranges, try a different type of orange, like a clementine.
• Offer options. For example, instead of you choosing the vegetables offered at mealtime, try offering four or five options and let your child decide which one they want.
• Stepwise approach to trying new foods. Have your child look at the food, smell it, touch it, lick it and then finally try taking a bite if it isn’t too anxiety provoking. Try to take this one step at a time and keep trying to get further along in the process each time.
• Consider seeing an eating disorder dietitian. People with autism may need extra support from a dietitian. Consider seeing a certified eating disorder registered dietitian (CEDRD).
• Consider seeing a doctor to be screened for vitamin and mineral deficiencies. If you or your child is diagnosed with a deficiency, talk with your doctor about the best course of action to correct it, as well as with a registered dietitian to learn about food sources of the nutrient(s).
• Talk with your doctor about multivitamins and/or mineral supplements that may help.

Manejo de problemas digestivos y alergias alimentarias con autismo

First, let me clear up a few common misunderstandings about food sensitivity tests. While often marketed as helpful tools for people with GI issues and suspected food sensitivities, food sensitivity tests and most direct-to-consumer genetic kits are not accurate measures of food allergies and intolerances and should not be used to determine medical treatment or diagnose conditions. Genetic testing can identify genes you might have but cannot ultimately determine what diseases you have currently or tell you how to treat diseases you already have.

Las pruebas de alergia en sangre tampoco son la medida más precisa para diagnosticar alergias alimentarias. Si se usa, debe combinarse con pruebas de punción cutánea para alergias y pruebas de alimentos orales para diagnosticar adecuadamente las alergias alimentarias.

Si usted o su hijo tienen autismo y tienen problemas gastrointestinales, esto es lo que pueden hacer para ayudar a llegar al fondo del problema:

• Elimination diets conducted with a dietitian. By properly eliminating and reintroducing suspected foods with a registered dietitian, you may be able to figure out what is causing the GI upset.
• Medication and supplements recommended by your doctor. Supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA. Make sure to talk with your doctor before starting anything over the counter.
• Incorporate more variety into your diet and drink enough water. Lack of fiber and water can increase your risk for constipation. Since people with ASD tend to struggle with selective eating, this could be a reason for constipation and bloating.
• Eat consistently throughout the day. Did you know that not eating enough and going too long between meals can lead to bloating and gas? This could also be a reason for GI upset in those with ASD.
• Skin prick testing and oral food testing with an allergist to determine food allergies.

Asegúrese de trabajar con sus proveedores de atención médica para asegurarse de que está recibiendo un tratamiento completo para el trastorno del espectro autista de su hijo. Con el apoyo adecuado, puede asegurarse de que su hijo obtenga los nutrientes que necesita a través de una dieta equilibrada y variada adaptada a sus necesidades únicas.

Questions about nutrition and autism? Talk to your doctor or find a dietitian near you.