Nutritious meals for children with special needs

Children with special needs can get sufficient vitamins and minerals from a variety of fresh food and a proper balanced diet. This is a healthier option than depending on a single food or specific diet, says Dr Noor Safiza. Photo: AFP

There is more anecdotal, rather than conclusive scientific, evidence that dietary intervention is beneficial for children with special needs. But many parents have tried food therapy, hoping their children’s condition would improve.

“There are studies claiming certain food may reduce symptoms of attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). But there isn’t strong evidence to support the relationship between ADHD and ASD symptoms and a specific food diet,” says Health Ministry’s Institute for Public Health’s senior dietitian (research) Dr Noor Safiza Mohamad Nor.