Nutritional intervention in the severe degree Autistic Spectrum Disorder: case report

Abstract

Objective: to describe the intervention and nutritional assistance provided to a child with severe Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Case description: Boy, seven years and 10 months old, diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at two years and 6 months. At six years old he started using antipsychotic medication due to his limited social interaction and aggravation of his aggressive behavior. The boy was referred from the pediatric neurology sector to the pediatric nutrition clinic for overweight and dietary errors. The nutritional intervention was developed in six consultations carried out in an outpatient and home environment. In the first consultation, a goal was established based on the main problem presented. In this case, the goal was to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods, improve the density of nutrients eaten and control body weight. To achieve this goal, 3 to 5 tasks were established, which were reviewed and maintained or expanded with each consultation.

Conclusions: the nutritional intervention model provided the family’s adaptation to the changes, reaching the goal, improving the nutritional density of the food and controlling the patient’s body weight.