The Importance of Nutrition

Nutrition is important for all children, but especially for kids with ASD because of its impact on their physical health, brain development, and behavior. Children with ASD often experience specific challenges with food preferences, sensory sensitivities, and gastrointestinal issues, all of which can lead to nutrient deficiencies and affect overall development.

Research shows children with ASD tend to have deficiencies in Vitamin D, B, A, C, E, and folate. Vitamin D plays a role in bone health and immune system function. Vitamin B plays a role in brain development and function. Children with ASD also tend to have deficiencies in iron, zinc, and magnesium. Iron deficiency can cause a range of health issues, particularly affecting children’s growth, energy, and cognitive development. Less than 20% of children between the ages of four to thirteen years old are consuming the recommended five or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables.

Our Nutritional Services

In addition to being a Student Analyst for Lotus, Kat is PhD student at The Ohio State University, where she is working toward her Doctorate in Couples and Family Therapy. Furthermore, Kat has a M.S. in Sport Psychology, a post master’s certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, and she is a Certified Personal Trainer and a Certified Nutrition Specialist. We know, she’s amazing! Kat hopes to help our clients make healthy and nutritional choices that improve their quality of life. Using evidence-based knowledge, Kat can guide clients toward sustainable habits that prevent disease and enhance wellness.

A Message from Kat:

“I'm passionate about providing holistic health support for children with autism. Beyond behavioral therapy, your child's overall well-being plays a crucial role in their development. By incorporating physical activity, healthy eating, and stress management techniques, we can improve physical health, enhance cognitive function, support emotional well-being, and foster independence. I offer personalized programs tailored to your child's unique needs, including customized exercise plans, nutrition guidance, and individualized stress management techniques.

Nutrition services help clients to increase strength, flexibility, and coordination. In addition, these services can boost focus, concentration, and memory, while reducing anxiety and stress. Goals are reached through fun and engaging activities that cater to their interests and abilities, balanced meal plans and healthy snack ideas to support optimal growth and development, and relaxation exercises, mindfulness practices, and sensory integration strategies.”

To see how Kat can assist your child, contact her directly to schedule a free consultation!

Let's work together to empower your child to thrive. Schedule a consultation today!