Autism Rate in Libya and Foodstuff Options to Progress Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Healthy diet choices may improve health and skills of children with autism. The present study aimed to illustrate the frequency of autism spectrum disorder in Libya, to demonstrate effect of sex and age variables on children with autism and explain a specific dietary program with important recommendations to progress the abilities and skills. 275 suspected cases of autism spectrum disorder were documented during 2012 to 2017 in Tobruk National Association for Autism. Only, 241 cases (183 males and 58 females) aged from 3 to 20 years old were diagnosed to confirm the incidence of autism or not and were statistically analyzed. Among 241 cases, 167 (69.3%) (121 males and 46 females) only have autism spectrum disorder, whereas, 74 cases (30.7%) have no autism condition. Results showed that boys were approximately more three times than girls to have autism. There was statistically significant association between males and females for getting autism spectrum disorder (P= 0.019). Autism can affect both genders, but it may be more specific for males than females. Also, results revealed that there was no evidence of a statistically significant relationship between the incidence of autism in males and females according to their age (p = 0.218). This point ups that there is no specific autism incidence according to age because autism may occur from the birth. There is no treatment for autism, but mixed factors may help to improve the conditions such as introducing adequate nutrition to the child with a combined effort of country and institution with parents to enhance the skills, abilities and activities of children with autism.