Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects language development and social function. The uncertainty about what causes autism in the majority of “idiopathic” cases, has hampered the development of a universally beneficial treatment, aside from symptomatic treatment of autism-related behaviors such as aggression or anxiety. Limited clinical evidence raises the intriguing possibility that a Ketogenic Therapy might be helpful to alleviate some of the abnormal behaviors seen in children with autism spectrum disorders. Using an MCT version, 10 of 18 autistic children demonstrated moderate or significant behavioral improvement (by a blinded rater) after a 6-month trial of providing the diet for 4 weeks of KD diet treatment alternating with 2 weeks of normal diet, in 6-week cycles (Evangeliou et al., 2003).

“Although treatment strategies for children with autism spectrum disorders are under development, the Ketogenic Diet is available now and could offer multiple benefits. For example, children with autism and uncontrolled seizures have few options, and this research suggests a Ketogenic Diet could reduce seizures and improve behavior.” Susan Masino, PhD, Trinity College, Harford, Conn. 2013.

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