Effect of a Novel Mediterranean‐Style Diet (
MIND
‐
DASE
) on Behavioural and Developmental Outcomes in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pr
Hanim Seyma Topuz, Mehmet Eren Kurnaz, Eyup Sabri Keles, Atilla Ersen, Hasan Onal ABSTRACT
Background
This study investigated the efficacy of the MIND‐DASE ( M editerranean‐style I ntervention for N euro‐ D evelopmental D iversity and A utism S ymptom E valuation) nutritional model in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We hypothesized that increasing dietary diversity acts as a clinical catalyst for rapid behavioural improvement.
Methods
In this propensity score‐matched retrospective cohort study ( N = 188), children in the diet group ( n = 94) were matched 1:1 with non‐compliant controls ( n = 94) based on age, gender and baseline symptom severity (ATEC/ABC). Behavioural and developmental outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 months.
Results
At 6 months, the MIND‐DASE group demonstrated a significantly more rapid reduction in Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) total scores compared to controls (−18.4 ± 21.7 vs. −3.6 ± 16.2; p < 0.0001). Significant superiority was observed across all ABC subscales, including irritability ( p = 0.0001) and hyperactivity ( p = 0.0001). While both groups showed significant developmental progress in ATEC scores by the 12‐month mark, the dietary intervention induced a markedly earlier clinical response in behavioural symptoms within the first 6 months.
Conclusion
The MIND‐DASE model induces a rapid and significant improvement in aberrant behaviours. While long‐term standard care eventually leads to developmental gains, the nutritional intervention serves as a critical catalyst, accelerating clinical improvement in the early stages of treatment.
Trial Registration:
This study was registered at