Autism: Can the Ketogenic Diet Help?

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by communication and behavioral challenges. There are three distinguishing features of autism: repetitive behaviors/patterns, impaired communication (verbal and/or non-verbal), and difficulty understanding/reciprocating social interaction and behaviors. Although the exact etiology of autism is unknown, research has revealed potentially causative biochemical changes. ASD has been linked to mitochondrial and neurometabolic dysfunctions, as well as epilepsy-related diseases.

Although the exact etiology of ASD is unknown, research has revealed potentially causative biochemical changes. ASD has been linked to mitochondrial and neurometabolic dysfunctions, as well as epilepsy-related diseases. In fact, a key reason behind why the ketogenic diet was researched for autism was for its ability reduce seizures in individuals with ASD. Since the ketogenic diet has many metabolic benefits, including increased mitochondrial biogenesis, and is a common treatment for epilepsy, research supports its therapeutic usage for ASD. Studies have shown that children following a ketogenic diet may score better on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, improving in social and cognitive skills, concentration and learning, as well as neurological functioning and seizure activity. Moreover, because GI disturbances are comorbidity of autism, microbiome changes, specifically a decrease in bacterial diversity and inflammation, have been implicated. This further promotes the therapeutic use of a ketogenic diet since it has been shown to reduce inflammation and abnormalities in the gut microbiota.