Treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with a healthy diet might be unimaginable considering that the condition has always been viewed by medical experts as a neurological disorder. But The Center for Discovery, a nonprofit corporation, believed that ASD is not just about the brain - it is also about the body, therefore, nutrition is an important component in treating people with ASD.
Treating Autism Spectrum Disorder With A Healthy Diet
The Center for Discovery, a New York-based nonprofit residential facility for kids, teens and adults with developmental disabilities, believed that autism spectrum disorder is not just all about the brain and its treatment should not exclusively revolve around behavior and behavior modification. The nonprofit considered ASD a condition that involves the whole body, therefore, a healthy diet is an important component in treating people with ASD.
"We believe that ASD is not only a brain disorder, but a biomedical one, and that treating it with a healthy diet, as well as exercise, sleep, and a nurturing environment, will lead to healthier lives for our residents and students," Patrick Dollard and Cesare Casella wrote on Medical Daily. Dollard is the president and CEO of The Center for Discovery while Casella is the chief of the nonprofit's Department of Nourishment Arts.
Dollard and Casella explained that they noticed remarkable improvements when the biomedical issues of people with autism spectrum disorder are treated alongside with their behavior. They added that a healthy diet can tone down the aggressive behavior of people with ASD, decrease their stress levels and improve their learning and social abilities.
"Nutrition has always been a part of the treatment of chronic disease. Let's make it a key step in helping people with autism," Dollard and Casella concluded.
Healthy Diet Is Essential In Treating Autism Spectrum Disorder
This is not the first time that a healthy diet has been recommended as an important component in treating autism spectrum disorder. According to the Autism Research Institute, a healthy diet may not cure autism but it can definitely help in easing the condition. There is convincing empirical evidence that a healthy diet helps people with ASD.
Can a healthy diet ease autism spectrum disorder? Do you agree with The Center for Discovery? Share your thoughts below.
