For Healthcare Professionals:  Introduction

Healthcare professionals and families alike are trying to find answers to the complex autism puzzle.

Recently, research and clinical practice suggest that children with autism may suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) issues, and therefore, a change in diet might help solve a piece of the puzzle. ^1,2

Many parents have initiated special diets (i.e. GFCF, Specific Carbohydrate Diet, Feingold Diet, etc.) for their children with autism to find out whether eliminating certain foods will help improve their child’s digestive health and overall well-being. These families rely on the healthcare community to help them safety and effectively manage a special diet. 

The healthcare professionals section of the Nutrition and Autism Web site is designed to provide clinicians with information and resources that can be helpful in working with children on special diets.

Visit the About Us section of the site to learn more about Nutricia North America and our Nutrition & Autism initiative.

1 Horvath K, Perman JA. Autism and gastrointestinal symptoms. Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2002;4 :251 – 258
2  Melmed RD, Schneider CK, Fabes RA, Philips J, Reichelt K. Metabolic markers and gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism and related disorders
[abstract]. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2000; 31(suppl 2):S31