Nutritional interventions and physical activities in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder: impact on physical health, behavior, and cognitive development

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that involves challenges in communication and behavior, and recent studies indicate that nutritional and physical interventions can improve the quality of life for affected individuals. This study analyzed the impact of these interventions through an integrative literature review, selecting studies from databases such as PubMed and SciELO. Gluten- and casein-free diets, combined with omega-3 and vitamin supplementation, have shown promise in reducing behavioral symptoms and improving gastrointestinal health in some patients, although results vary significantly. Additionally, physical activities such as swimming and running have demonstrated benefits in motor development and reducing repetitive behaviors; however, there is still a need for standardization in intervention protocols. Food selectivity is a common issue in children with ASD, requiring multiprofessional approaches to optimize nutritional intake and improve well-being. It is concluded that, although nutritional and physical interventions show potential, the variability of results highlights the importance of further research to consolidate evidence and promote more effective and personalized therapeutic approaches.