'My mother had me tested'

When we hear autism, many of us picture Dr Sheldon Cooper in the iconic scene where he states: ‘My mother had me tested, and there is nothing wrong with me’.

Characterised by deficits in the ability to socialise, communicate and use imagination with repetitive movements and special interests, autism is considered a neurodivergence, meaning there is a change from traditional brain pathways. In April, I reached out to registered occupational therapist (OT) Yolande Fenner to learn a bit more about autism from the perspective of an OT.

Approximately 1% of the world has been diagnosed with a form of autism (ASD) (which includes: Aspergers, autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified and Rett’s). Yolande explains how even the suggestion of an autism diagnosis may be a challenge for some parents, possibly altering the prospects they might have had for their children. The aetiology of autism is a topic currently being investigated but factors include maternal stress and diet, age of parents, environment and other factors including diet. Several hypotheses are being causative to autism, including the involvement of abnormal gastrointestinal microbiota composition.

Autism has also been linked to:

1.      ‘Picky eating’- food avoidance based on texture, smell, flavour

2.      Insomnia

3.      Hyperactivity

4.      Drastic mood swings

5.      Selective eating with a preference to high salt, calorie-dense foods such as take-out and snacks on the unhealthier side of life

6.      Intestinal inflammation

7.      Abdominal pain- cramping, gas, diarrhoea and constipation

With so many food related problems, there are many associated nutrition-linked problems such as: hypertension, diabetes mellitus and obesity. Certain studies have also noted that individuals who have autism are less likely to enjoy fruits, legumes, whole-grains, protein and vegetables and physical activity. These circumstances create a breeding ground for nutrient deficiencies such as iron deficiency, phosphate, calcium, vitamin D, folic acid and the list goes on. With so many nutrition-related obstacles, the referral channel between other health care practitioners (i.e. OTs and medical doctors) and teachers to dietitians is sorely lacking in South Africa, as Yolande explains.

Beyond tried and tested diets, dietitians help individuals living with autism manage their unwanted symptoms, alleviate food-related stress, and prevent or manage any nutrition-related deficiencies. Yolande explains some of the differences between working in the South African government sector and private practice in Australia, where she resides with her husband and daughter.

As children with autism grow, their autonomy regarding their food choices increases; nutrition education along with slow introduction to new foods becomes paramount in ensuring that these individuals consume adequate and healthy amounts of fruits, vegetables, whole-grains and protein, allowing them to thrive in their journeys of life.

To hear the entire podcast, https://open.spotify.com/episode/5zZlloQYQrUp3I1mccLHgK?si=93fa345537fa4537

Until next time, Shelldon Athena Breda, M.Sc.

Your favourite virtual dietitian