Nutrition Therapy for ASD

Nutrition Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a 3-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that addresses the feeding challenges, nutrient deficiencies, and dietary approaches used to enhance the quality of life for individuals with ASD.

Nutrition therapy for ASD is a personalized approach that aims to address the unique nutritional needs of individuals with ASD. This course provides an update on the prevalence of ASD as well as the three major initiatives issued by HHS in September 2025.

It also addresses the feeding challenges common in ASD, such as food selectivity, sensory abnormalities, food neophobia, chewing and swallowing problems, weight issues, and mealtime stress. Section two examines gastrointestinal (GI) issues, food sensitivities and allergies, and the role of oxidative stress in the pathology of ASD.

Section three covers nutrient deficiencies common in ASD, such as vitamins A, B, C, D, E, calcium, iron, iodine, and zinc. Section four delves into the dietary approaches tested by parents of children with ASD, including gluten-free casein-free (GFCF), ketogenic, specific carbohydrate, high-fiber, low glutamate, low FODMAP, Mediterranean, low glycemic index, Feingold, Candida, and combination diets. The etiology, efficacy, and potential risks of each are discussed.

Section five reviews nutritional supplements that can help in ASD management, including dietary sulforaphane, omega 3’s, probiotics, coenzyme Q10, melatonin, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), magnesium, vitamin D, and leucovorin to treat cerebral folate deficiency (CFD), which is common in ASD. Section six provides a case study using the Nutrition Care Process and lists the steps of the interprofessional team approach.

This course was developed to assist practitioners in understanding the nuances of ASD and nutrition. Nutritional management for children with ASD necessitates a comprehensive strategy that encompasses dietary changes, supplementation, feeding therapy, and behavioral techniques. The key to achieving optimal nutrition for those with ASD lies in the collaboration among the entire interprofessional team.

Outline

Introduction
Section 1: Nutritional Challenges in ASD
Section 2: GI Issues, Allergies, and Oxidative Stress
Section 3: Nutrient Deficiencies in ASD
Section 4: Dietary Approaches
Section 5: Nutritional Supplements
Section 6: Interprofessional Collaboration
Conclusion

Course #31-63 | 2025 | 59 pages | 20 posttest questions | Mobile-Friendly