Researchers compared the eating habits of 50 children with autism to 50 typically developing children and found some interesting differences. Children with autism tended to eat foods that cause more inflammation in the body, ate less variety, and were pickier eaters overall. The study also found that these children had higher levels of inflammation markers in their blood. While this doesn’t prove that diet causes autism, it suggests that what kids with autism eat might be connected to their development, and changing eating habits could be something worth exploring as a helpful strategy.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether children with autism eat differently than other children, and if their diets cause more inflammation in their bodies
  • Who participated: 100 children total: 50 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and 50 typically developing children of similar ages, all evaluated by experienced doctors
  • Key finding: Children with autism had significantly higher inflammatory diet scores and lower food variety compared to typically developing children. Their blood also showed higher inflammation markers.
  • What it means for you: If your child has autism, paying attention to their diet—especially reducing inflammatory foods and increasing variety—may be worth discussing with their doctor. However, this study shows a connection, not proof that diet causes autism.

The Research Details

This was a case-control study, which means researchers compared two groups of children: those with autism and those without. They collected information about what each child ate over a period of time using dietary surveys. They also measured inflammation in the children’s blood using special tests. The researchers matched the children in both groups by age and other characteristics to make the comparison fair.

The study used established diagnostic tools to confirm autism diagnosis (following DSM-5 criteria, which are the official guidelines doctors use). They also measured how diverse each child’s diet was—meaning how many different types of foods they ate. This allowed them to see if children with autism had different eating patterns than other children.

Understanding what children with autism eat is important because diet can affect inflammation in the body, and inflammation might influence brain development. If we can identify eating patterns that are connected to autism, we might be able to help children feel better and develop more typically through dietary changes. This type of study helps doctors and parents know what to look for and what might be worth trying.

This study has some strengths: it used established diagnostic criteria, measured multiple inflammation markers, and compared similar groups of children. However, it’s a relatively small study (100 children total), and it only shows a connection between diet and inflammation—not that one causes the other. The study was done at one point in time, so we can’t see if changes in diet lead to changes in development over time.

What the Results Show

Children with autism had significantly higher dietary inflammatory index scores compared to typically developing children. This means their diets contained more foods that trigger inflammation in the body. The children with autism also had higher levels of inflammation markers in their blood, including measures called SII and SIRI.

When researchers adjusted for factors like age and gender, they found that a higher inflammatory diet score was associated with autism diagnosis—children with higher inflammatory diet scores were about 1.8 times more likely to have autism. However, the researchers were careful to note this shows a connection, not that diet causes autism.

Another important finding was that children with autism ate less variety in their diets and showed more picky eating behaviors. This limited food variety may contribute to the inflammatory patterns observed.

The study found that dietary diversity was lower in the autism group, with children eating fewer different types of foods. Picky eating was more common in children with autism. These eating patterns may make it harder for children to get balanced nutrition, which could affect inflammation levels and overall health.

Previous research has suggested that children with autism often have different eating patterns and may be at risk for nutritional imbalances. This study adds to that evidence by showing that these dietary differences are associated with higher inflammation markers. Other studies have linked inflammatory diets to various health conditions, so this finding fits with what we know about how food affects the body.

This study was relatively small (100 children) and only looked at one point in time, so we can’t prove that changing diet would change inflammation or development. The study was done in one location, so results might not apply to all children with autism everywhere. The researchers couldn’t prove that the diet causes the inflammation or autism—only that they’re connected. Additionally, dietary surveys rely on parents remembering what their children ate, which can be inaccurate.

The Bottom Line

Parents of children with autism may want to discuss with their pediatrician whether reducing inflammatory foods (like processed foods, added sugars, and certain oils) and increasing food variety could be helpful. This is a reasonable dietary approach that may support overall health, though it’s not a treatment for autism itself. Start with small changes and work with a nutritionist familiar with autism if possible. Confidence level: Moderate—this suggests a helpful direction but isn’t definitive proof.

Parents and caregivers of children with autism should find this interesting, as it suggests a modifiable factor they might be able to influence. Healthcare providers working with autistic children should be aware of these dietary patterns. Children with autism who have picky eating habits may particularly benefit from exploring dietary changes. This doesn’t apply to typically developing children without autism.

Changes in diet take time to show effects. You might notice improvements in energy, digestion, or behavior within 2-4 weeks, but longer-term effects on development would take months to years to observe. Work with your child’s doctor to set realistic expectations.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily food variety by counting how many different food groups your child eats each day (fruits, vegetables, proteins, grains, dairy). Aim to gradually increase this number. Also note any behavioral or energy changes you observe.
  • Start by introducing one new food per week in a low-pressure way. Simultaneously, try to reduce one inflammatory food category (like sugary snacks or processed foods). Use the app to log these changes and any observations about your child’s mood, energy, or behavior.
  • Weekly check-ins on food variety scores, monthly reviews of which new foods were accepted, and quarterly assessments of overall dietary patterns. Note any changes in behavior, energy levels, or digestive health alongside dietary changes.

This research shows a connection between diet and inflammation in children with autism, but does not prove that diet causes autism or that dietary changes will treat autism. This study is observational and cannot establish cause-and-effect relationships. Always consult with your child’s pediatrician or a registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes. Dietary modifications should complement, not replace, evidence-based autism interventions and medical care. Individual results may vary, and what works for one child may not work for another.