Educators and Diets

From Tami Giles of Autism Recovery Resources of Washington (ARROW)

While some teachers may view your child's special diet as an inconvenience, there is plenty of scientific evidence that supports the need for special diets in children with autism and other developmental disorders. Most children with autism have food allergies or sensitivities that affect their behavior. Suggestions include:

A doctor's letter: Teachers and others need to understand that you are not trying to be difficult, but rather, a gluten-free, casein free diet or other dietary restrictions may be imperative to your child's physical and behavioral health, just as a peanut allergy must be respected for children who are allergic to peanuts.

Documentation: It might be helpful to provide some information to the teacher to explain the medical reasons behind your child's diet. You can also offer to send special treats to school for parties, or encourage the teacher to use rewards other than food.

Legal Rights: Federal laws require schools to support students' medically necessary diets. Under the USDA's Section 504 and child nutrition regulations, schools participating in federal school meal programs are required to make a reasonable effort to provide, at no extra charge, special meals to students whose diets are restricted due to their disabilities [7 CFR Section 15b.26(d)(1)].

In order to be eligible for modified meals, a student must present a statement signed by a physician. The statement should include: (a) the disability of the student and how the disability affects the student's diet; (b) the major life activity affected by the disability; and (c) the food(s) to be omitted from the student's diet and those that may be substituted [7 CFR Section 210.10(i)(1) and 7 CFR Section 220.8(f)]. Adjustments to meals may include changing the texture of food, modifying the calories, and substituting different foods for those listed on the school menu.

Thus, parents need to be aware that they are responsible for: (a) requesting modification of their child's meals, if appropriate; and (b) providing the school system with a doctor's statement certifying their child's disability and describing the child's special dietary needs. If officials at the school are not familiar with these regulations, parents should contact their State school food service director, who is usually employed by the State education agency.

Because the IEP serves as a communication tool between service providers, parents, and the student with a disability, stating nutrition goals and objectives in the IEP, when appropriate, "will facilitate instruction on dietary needs and compliance".

The law goes on to state that schools may not charge a student more for their special diet than other students pay. If the child is eligible for reduced or free lunches, the student can get their medically necessary diet provided at the same reduced or free rate.

The USDA has created an excellent free resource for parents, schools, nutrition directors, and IEP teams who want to understand this federal law.