Effect of an anti-inflammatory diet on the psychomotor profile of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a pilot study

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by multiple difficulties in psychomotor development that affect the performance of daily activities and social participation. Several studies have suggested that diet and the balance of the gut microbiota can positively influence the neurodevelopment and functioning characteristics of people with ASD. Objetive: This study explores the effect of an anti-inflammatory diet on psychomotor profiles of children with ASD. Methodology: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 18 children diagnosed with ASD: 9 in the experimental group and 9 in the control group, and 12 neurotypical children: 6 in the experimental group and 6 in the control group. Patients were evaluated before and after a 12-week anti-inflammatory nutritional intervention. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, nutritional status, muscle tone, balance, laterality, spatiotemporal structuring, body notion, global praxia, fine praxia, and psychomotor profile were evaluated. Results: There were significant improvements (p<0.05) in children with ASD in tonicity factors, fine praxia and psychomotor profile. The effect size was large in several domains (d>0.8), indicating substantial changes owing to the intervention. Discussion: These findings support the integration of nutritional interventions into interdisciplinary therapeutic programs in clinical and educational contexts. However, further robust studies are required to confirm this. Conclusions: Implementation of an anti-inflammatory diet can improve the psychomotor profile of children with ASD.