Table 1

Characteristics of Participants

Autism Group

Neurotypical Group

Total Participants

55

44

Male

49 (89%)

39 (89%)

Female

6 (11%)

5(11%)

Age (years)

10.0 +/- 3.1

11.0 +/- 3.1

Diagnosis

85% autism, 4% PDD/NOS, 11% Asperger's

In good mental and physical health

Medications

55% no medications

29% psycho-pharmaceuticals - primarily risperidone and clonidine;

9% on CNS stimulants (primarily Concerta); 4% on anti-convulsants

5% on GI medications;

7% on asthma/allergy medicine;

2% on insulin

89% no medications;

9% on anti-inflammatories (asthma/allergies); 2% on anti-incontinence medication

Special Diets

84% on regular diet;

3 gluten-free, casein-free diet;

1 gluten-free;

3 reduced dairy/gluten;

2 low sugar

1 child on dairy-free diet

Nutritional Supplements

1 on fish oil; 2 on melatonin

none

PDD-BI (modified autism composite)

-63 +/- 54

n/a

ATEC

64 +/- 25

n/a

SAS

4.9 +/- 2.4

n/a

Adams et al. Nutrition & Metabolism 2011 8:34   doi:10.1186/1743-7075-8-34