Exploring the relationship of various dietary interventions on typical behaviours associated with individuals with autism

General health benefits of healthy eating are well known amongst the general population. Dietary interventions are commonly used for weight loss, fostering healthier lifestyles, or disease management for typically developing individuals (Riaz-Rajoka et al., 2017). Their potential impact for individuals with autism goes beyond the general health benefits (Fraguas et al., 2019). Dietary interventions are being used by individuals with autism as an alternative therapy to combat aggressive behaviours, stereotypical behaviours, and repetitive actions that are associated with autism (Fraguas et al., 2019). The rise of alternative therapies and the inclusion of nutritional interventions are far more frequent now than ever before (Monterio et al., 2021). With a multitude of possible alternative dietary interventions researched, the purpose of this project was to observe current and previous dietary interventions and assess their relationship with the behaviour of individuals with autism who attend Autism Ontario summer camp. Data collection involved interviews of parents and camp staff workers, observations and field notes, and analysis of participants’ food logs. A case study was used with an interpretivist approach. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and presented five themes: (a) sources of behaviour, (b) changes in child’s behaviour, (c) sources of education, (d) parental buy-in, and (e) dietary barriers. The results align with previous research regarding the impact food consumption has on the behaviours of individuals with autism. In conjunction, environmental and individual factors impact one's ability to maintain a dietary intervention and limits a potential relationship between diet and behaviours to be identified. The results from this study can be used as an educational tool for camp staff to adapt food programming at Autism Ontario summer camps.