Autism awareness day: Why proper diet is important for autistic children

As the world marks Autism awareness day on April 2, 2023, a number of organisations in Kenya have also commemorated the day. 

Children living with this condition require special treatment, care and attention, due to their inability to do most of the things by themselves.

Sylvia Moraa Mochabo is a mother of three. Two of her children are Autistic and she explains the challenges she faced before accepting the condition of her children.

“My son had a lot of complications, I was still trying to understand what was going on with him, we were being sent for Autism assessment, we did not know what Autism is and being alone I could not breastfeed my own child,” she states. 

Despite all the challenges, she had to make a lot of sacrifices to provide a better life and motherly love to her children.

“Some of the decisions that have helped in shaping my life I would say are being authentic and real about life,” says Sylvia.  

As of now she is a proud mother who has made a lot of achievements among them founding her own organisation to create awareness to the public on Autism.

Christine Muturi, a Nutritionist, explains that Autistic children require a special diet enriched with different nutrients and lack of it might lead to conditions such as constipation and diarrhoea.

“If the child is having issues with constipation, ensure that they are having regular meals, a lot of fibre, having six to eight drinks in a day will also help them. Make sure their food is whole grained cereal and that they are eating variety as this is the key to life, “Christine states.

 “Foods with high levels of sugar, if the child has wheat sensitivity or dairy sensitivity, then you need to avoid wheat and dairy products and also avoid processed foods with high levels of fat or salt.”

 According to Christine the right choice of diet is key to the lives of these children.

“Make sure that they are eating foods rich in Folic Acid, Zinc, Iron, fibre, calcium and basically a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, as well as plants and animal protein and complex carbohydrates,” she advices. 

Perpetua Omondi, an Occupational Therapist, says Autism disorder greatly affects the brain and how people relate with one another.

“Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurological developmental condition characterized by challenges on social skills, repetitive behaviours and restricted interests. It is a lifelong condition that affects individuals and it affects how they do things, their development, and when it comes to children you will notice some have difficulties in their interaction with others,” she explains.  

In order to ensure that Autistic children live normal lives, they engage them in activities such as cycling, running as well as interacting with others.

What are the signs that one can tell a child is autistic upon its diagnosis?

“Some have difficulties in how they process sensory information, some have restricted interests, they will be interested in very few things,” she says.

Inability is not disability and despite the different challenges faced by individuals living with Autism, Perpetua has a special message to the public in terms of creating awareness and the place of individuals with this condition in the society.

“Autistic individuals have strengths where some have a very good memory, gifted in terms of talents, so it’s important for the public to know that despite the challenges you see, they have a lot of strengths too and it is upon us to know their potential and capabilities.”