Do elimination diets help people with autism spectrum disorder?

    Last Updated: October 13, 2024

    Narrow food preferences and avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) are common among young children with ASD, as many have oral sensory sensitivity [1][2]. This puts these children at a greater risk for nutrient deficiencies.[3][4]. Thus, elimination or restricted diets must be carefully planned. To date, the evidence surrounding elimination-style diets (e.g., the gaps-diet, gluten-free/casein-free diet, and spec-carb-diet) for improving the core features of ASD have either not been researched or are inconclusive.[5][6]