Self-Restricted Diet in Pediatric Autism Leading to Vitamin A Deficiency and Severe Photophobia

In developed countries, vitamin A deficiency (VAD) remains rare but is a leading cause of global blindness. We describe the case of a 10-year-old girl with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) initially presenting mild VAD symptoms, escalating to severe photophobia and reluctance to leave a darkened room due to a self-restricted diet of fast-food french fries. A timely examination revealed severe VAD and vitamin A supplementation resolved her symptoms in three weeks. This case highlights the challenge of obtaining accurate patient history in ASD, emphasizing the need for routine dietary discussions and micronutrient testing, especially at ages nine and 13 when the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends increased vitamin A intake. Early intervention can prevent micronutrient deficiencies in pediatric patients, particularly those with ASD.