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The Role of Dietary Interventions in Improving Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Neuro Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 May 2026 | Viewed by 1240

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. Department of Develomental Psychiatrist & East Region, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
2. Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
Interests: autism; depression; dietary intervention. gut microbiota; major psychiatric disorders

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and behavior. In recent years, growing attention has been directed to the role of diet and nutrition in influencing the onset, severity, and progression of ASD symptoms. Dietary interventions—ranging from gluten- and casein-free diets to supplementation with specific nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics—have shown potential in modulating gut microbiota and improving cognitive and behavioral outcomes in individuals with ASD.

This Special Issue aims to advance our understanding of how dietary strategies can support individuals with ASD across their lifespan. We welcome original research, reviews, meta-analyses, and perspectives that explore the mechanisms, efficacy, and clinical applications of dietary interventions. Contributions from interdisciplinary fields including nutrition, neuroscience, gastroenterology, and psychiatry are especially encouraged. Submissions should strive to bridge current knowledge gaps, assess long-term outcomes, and inform evidence-based dietary guidelines for ASD management.

Dr. Jiangbo Ying
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
  • dietary interventions
  • therapeutic diets
  • gut–brain axis
  • nutritional therapy
  • microbiota
  • probiotics
  • prebiotics
  • neurodevelopment
  • behavioral outcomes

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

22 pages, 611 KB  
Article
AUT-MENU Project: A Bicentric Intervention Study to Improve the Meal Acceptance of Subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorder
by Maria Vittoria Conti, Chiara Breda, Ilaria Zambon, Sara Basilico, Stefania Ruggeri, Maria Luisa Scalvedi, Francesca Antonazzi and Hellas Cena
Nutrients 2026, 18(1), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18010165 - 4 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 876
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often exhibit low dietary diversity due to Food Selectivity (FS), leading to various forms of malnutrition, such as obesity and/or micronutrient deficiencies. The main objective of the AUT-MENU project is to improve meal acceptance among [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often exhibit low dietary diversity due to Food Selectivity (FS), leading to various forms of malnutrition, such as obesity and/or micronutrient deficiencies. The main objective of the AUT-MENU project is to improve meal acceptance among individuals with ASD. A secondary goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of a nutrition education course for parents of enrolled participants to reduce FS. Methods: The study is a bicentric intervention conducted in three care centers (Northern area, Pavia and Milan) and one secondary school (Southern area, Rome), involving individuals with ASD aged 3 to 35 years. The study consists of an observational phase (T0) and an intervention phase (T1). At T0, biographical data, clinical characteristics, and dietary patterns of participants are collected. Based on T0 findings and existing nutritional recommendations for ASD individuals, targeted menus are developed and tested. At T1, the same assessment tools used at T0 will be applied to evaluate intervention effects. Additionally, a nutrition education course for caregivers will be implemented between T0 and T1, with a pre- and post-course knowledge questionnaire to assess its effectiveness. Results: This paper reports the results from the care centers in the Northern Area. Conclusions: Menu adaptations, developed according to individual preferences and nutritional guidelines, did not significantly modify food consumption but were well tolerated, allowing for an improvement in the nutritional profile of meals without reducing acceptability. These findings support the feasibility of implementing tailored menu strategies in collective catering for individuals with ASD. Full article
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