Diet (preservatives), behaviour & Autism?

[Melly_11]

I would just like to hear from parents who have changed their childs diet to help with behaviour?

Did it help at all?

Is your child Autistic and how did you work it out? Did you always know they were different?

[Melly_11]

Bump?

[2s'nuff]

I can only help on one front here as neither of my kids have autism.
We have however taken out preservatives and additives from our diet and had great results.
My bible is http://www.fedupwithfoodadditives.info/

When the kids have something that contains baddies, it's easy to tell as their behaviour changes for the worse.

Lisa

[Melly_11]

Ive been researching that site, and thats actually the reason im asking this question! Thank you

[DreamBelieveAchieve]

Hi M

I have reduced the amount of junk food A had and it has made a pretty big difference. I havent cut preservatives out fully but i was talking to another BH member today and i think i will give it a shot.

A is borderline Aspergers so i am hoping that a better diet will help control his emotions a little more.

Feel free to chat to me on MSN about it further :)

[workin'mumof2]

I would just like to hear from parents who have changed their childs diet to help with behaviour?

i have.. i cut out nearly all of the preservatives,additives,colours ect. and also gluten. (and cut his dairy to minimul)

Did it help at all? big time YES

Is your child Autistic and how did you work it out? Did you always know they were different?

yes he is. and he is and has been on this diet for ages. :o 6months ish cant remember.

and yes. there was "something" about him

pm me if you have any other questions.

[NonnyMouse]

DD was always very sensitive to sugar and colourings, and so we kept these to a minimum. I did notice that when she was given treat foods by other people (without my permission... shame on you Grandma!!!) she'd come back extremely wound up, aggressive, and loud! The mere mention of the word NO would have her throwing chairs or cutlery (usually straight at my face, point blank range *sigh*).

She's not autistic or ADHD or anything though... our paed assessed her at age 4 or thereabouts and said she's doesn't have any behavioural disorder, she merely possesses "the personality traits of a wife-basher" in that she has limited impulse control. Nice one, doc. :thumbsdown:

SO, although removing the triggers from her diet didn't really help, it certainly stopped things from being a whole lot worse.

[Poppetfish]

We run a tight ship in this house. My Ds is still going through the diagnosis of being Autistic. I personally dont think it makes a differance.

[kellyk]

I know Im a bit late on this thread but I do feel strongly about this.

So what if we don't see any obvious or earth shattering changes!!!

I think it is so important for the long term health of ourselves and our children to minimise anything that may cause harm to them and there is so much info about the negative effects of these additives. Some effects may not be seen until later in life. We ourselves didn't grow up with so many additives including preservatives so we don't know the long term side effects.

If we prepare good fresh food from scratch (not really that difficult to do and much cheaper) we automatically reduce these harmful additives.

Good on you everyone who is taking a stand against unnecessary additives by purchasing products that are "good" for you.