World Autism Awareness Day A Look at Nutrition and Autism

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that manifests itself usually during the first three years of life. The rate of autism in all regions of the world is high, and it has a tremendous impact on children, their families, communities, and societies.

The Center for Disease Control reported the number of U.S. children with autism has surged to one in 68; this is a 30 percent increase since the agency estimated just two years ago that one child in 88 suffered from the disorder.

World Autism Awareness Day

We are dealing with a national emergency that is in need of a national strategy. At 1 in 68, we now have over 1 million children directly affected by autism.  

Throughout its history, the United Nations family has promoted the rights and well-being of the disabled, including children with developmental disabilities. In 2008, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities entered into force, reaffirming the fundamental principle of universal human rights for all.

The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day to highlight the need to help improve the lives of children and adults who suffer from the disorder so they can lead full and meaningful lives. The United Nations officials highlighted the contributions to humanity by people with autism, noting that shunning them is a “violation of human rights” and a “waste of human potential.”

Nutrition and Autism

For decades nutrition and diet therapies have been used to treat people with autism, yet no single protocol has emerged. The development of individualized nutritional assessment and a plan of care is crucial in meeting the needs of people with autism.

Research has shown nutritional deficiencies can impair learning, growth, and development in all children. Children with autism have nutrition problems and gastrointestinal issues more often than other children. These problems can present developmental challenges.

Judy Converse, MPH, RD, LD, is a registered dietitian and the founder of Nutrition Care for Children, LLC (NCPA). She specializes in autism diets, special diets, biomedical interventions for autism, and nutrition-focused strategies for babies and kids that help them learn, grow, and thrive.

Judy provides nutrition services for children ages 0-21, and works with non-profits, federal programs, and nutrition companies to provide education, training, and support on how nutrition and diets work for children with special needs.

The goal of NCPA is to assess nutritional status and develop a plan of care to "restore adequate and appropriate sources for calories, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates and correct essential mineral deficits. This can accommodate users of a variety of special diets."

For families affected by autism, gluten is one of the first items to be evaluated. Gluten sensitivity can have devastating effects on learning, growth, and behavior. Many studies have shown improvement in these factors when a gluten-free diet is followed.

To learn more about the work of Judy Converse, MPH, RD, LD follow her online at:
Facebook. Nutrition Care for Children

National Autism Awareness Month

The Autism Society, the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. They do this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research, and advocacy.

Founded in 1965 by Dr. Bernard Rimland, Dr. Ruth Sullivan, and many other parents of children with autism. The Autism Society is the leading source of reliable information about autism. The Autism Society's Advisory Panel is comprised solely of individuals with autism. They help Autism Society staff create programs and services that will advocate for the rights of all people with autism to live fulfilling, interdependent lives.

International Children's Book Day for Foodies

International Children's Book Day is A day to inspire children to pick up a book and read. 

The Girls Who Lived in the Refrigerator Hardcover –
July 30, 2024, by David Grotto (Author), 
Brian Dumm (Illustrator)

For the Health Foodie

Good Enough to Eat: A Kid's Guide to Food and Nutrition
by Lizzy Rockwell  

Healthy Foods around the World
by Beth Bence Reinke, RDN  

National Geographic Kids Cookbook:
A Year-Round Fun FoodAdventure
by Barton Seave  

Kid Chef Junior: My First Kids Cookbook

by Anjali Shah  

Oh, The Things You Can Do That Are
Good for You: AllAbout Staying Healthy
by Tish Rabe  

National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day

Ingredients
2 slices Whole Wheat Raisin Cinnamon Bread
1 Tbsp Jelly, favorite
2 Tbsp Low Sodium Crunchy Peanut Butter 

National Public Health Week

About National Public Health Week (NPHW) 

The first full week of April was declared National Public Health Week in 1995. The goal is to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation.
  
The American Public Health Association (APHA) serves as the organizer of NPHW and develops a national campaign to educate the public, policymakers, and practitioners about issues related to each year's theme. APHA creates new NPHW materials each year that can be used during and after NPHW to raise awareness about public health and prevention.

Food Connects Us: A Global Table of Traditions

Food is more than just sustenance—it is a universal language, a bridge between cultures, communities, and generations. The 2025 theme for National Nutrition Month, "Food Connects Us," highlights the powerful role food plays in fostering relationships, preserving traditions, and promoting health and well-being.

The Cultural Connection

Every culture has its own unique culinary traditions, yet food unites us all in ways that transcend geographical and societal differences. Whether it’s gathering for a family meal, sharing a holiday feast, or learning about new cuisines, food creates opportunities for connection and understanding. Exploring diverse foods broadens our palates and deepens our appreciation for different backgrounds and traditions.

Food as a Social Bond

Food has the ability to bring people together, from intimate dinners to large celebrations. It fosters a sense of community, strengthens relationships, and creates memories. Sitting down to a shared meal encourages conversation and strengthens emotional bonds, whether with family, friends, or even strangers.

Nourishment and Well-being

Beyond emotional and cultural ties, food connects us through its impact on health. Good nutrition fuels our bodies, supports mental health, and helps prevent chronic diseases. By making mindful food choices, we can take charge of our well-being while also encouraging our loved ones to prioritize their health.

Sustainability and Global Impact

Food connects us to the environment and the broader global community. The choices we make about food production and consumption influence the sustainability of our planet. Supporting local farmers, reducing food waste, and making eco-conscious choices all contribute to a healthier world for future generations.

Celebrating National Nutrition Month

This National Nutrition Month, embrace the theme "Food Connects Us" by:

• Trying new recipes from different cultures

• Cooking and sharing meals with loved ones

• Learning about the health benefits of various foods

• Supporting sustainable food practices

Let’s use food as a tool to connect, nourish, and celebrate life together. After all, every bite tells a story, and every meal is an opportunity to bring people closer.

From Garden to Plate: the Journey of Fruits and Vegetables

Keep healthy eating simple by filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables at mealtime. Eat fruits and vegetables when you want to have a snack. The more colorful you make your plate, the more likely you are to get the vitamins, minerals, and fiber your body needs to be healthy.

Remember that all forms count: fresh, frozen, canned, dried, or 100% juice. The next time you go shopping, choose veggies that may be new to you (try sweet potatoes, beets, or collard greens) and fruits too (try papaya, cantaloupe, or kiwi) to make your plate even more fun and exciting!

It’s easy to add fruits and vegetables to the meals that you’re already making:

1. Breakfast is the perfect time for fruit. Try topping your cereal or oatmeal with bananas or peaches. Add blueberries to your pancakes. Or add fruit to your fat-free or low-fat yogurt. Blend frozen fruit, 100% juice, and/or yogurt to make a healthy smoothie.
2. Lunchtime is a great time for a colorful salad. Add a variety of veggies, like corn, carrots, and spinach. A salad makes a healthy lunch if you don’t use too much dressing. Add a tangerine, banana, or grapes to your bagged lunch.
3. At dinner, try meat dishes that include fruits and veggies, like chicken with apricots or kebabs with peppers and pineapple. Or make a meal featuring vegetables, such as veggie pizza or vegetarian chili with lots of vegetables.

Fruits and vegetables make great snacks and desserts:

1. Keep cut-up fruits and vegetables like carrots, peppers, and cucumber or orange slices in the refrigerator for a handy snack.
2. Dried fruits are tasty and easy to carry.
3. Keep a fruit bowl in the refrigerator or on a table or countertop. Your family can grab and go!
4. An apple is a perfect quick snack—and there are more than 7,500 varieties of apples to try!
5. Fruit smoothies, fruit salad, and frozen 100% juice bars are better than high-fat, sugary desserts.

Resources
1. Fruits & Veggies–More Matters® 
2. Healthy Family Project