Feingold Diet and Autism Ranking:

Key Features

According to the Feingold Association of the United States website, accessed on 2 July 2013,

“The Feingold Program (also known as the Feingold Diet) is a test to determine if certain foods or food additives are triggering particular symptoms. It is basically the way people used to eat before “hyperactivity” and “ADHD” became household words, and before asthma and chronic ear infections became so very common.”

It goes on to say,

“It is a new way of shopping and eating that combines old-fashioned nutrition with modern convenience. We guide you through the process, step by step.

“First, we teach you how to determine if certain food additives or foods are triggering undesirable symptoms.

“Next, we show you how to find the food you enjoy, but in a more natural version. We also guide you to finding healthier non-food products.

“Then we show you how to comfortably make these changes a part of your life.

“Finally, we provide continual updates as products change. We share the tips we have learned so that you can streamline your shopping and have more free time to enjoy feeling good.’

In practice, the Feingold Diet requires the individual to avoid some additives (such as synthetic colourings, flavourings, and preservatives) as well as salicylates (natural plant substances found in some foodstuffs and medicines).

If you are following the Feingold diet, you should ensure that the rest of your diet is healthy and well-balanced. 

Because it can be difficult to balance your diet, we strongly recommend that you seek advice from a responsible health professional such as a health visitor or general practitioner (GP). This may lead to a referral to a dietitian – in particular one with experience of working with autistic individuals.

Updated

17 Jun 2022

Last Review

01 Sep 2017

Next Review

01 Feb 2024