Diseño de una guía alimentaria, enfocada en reducir los síntomas característicos del trastorno espectro Autista (TEA)

Abstract

The present project aims to design a specific dietary guide for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to improve their quality of life and nutritional well-being. The need for this guide is justified by the high prevalence of feeding issues in this population and the limited information available in Ecuador. For the development of the project, surveys were conducted with 24 parents of children with ASD from a foundation in Guayaquil, using a descriptive and cross-sectional approach. Statistical analysis techniques were employed to interpret the data collected. The results showed that most children exhibited food selectivity, with a significant relationship between the consumption of gluten and dairy and behavioral alterations. Additionally, nutritional deficiencies associated with these eating practices were identified. In conclusion, the proposed dietary guide is essential for promoting healthy habits in individuals with ASD, thereby contributing to their overall development and improving their quality of life. Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, dietary guide, food selectivity, quality of life.