Guest Post by Tracy Rose of Healthline.com
The Autism Diet and Your Child
Autism
is a neural developmental disorder that impairs a child's ability to
communicate and interact socially. It leads to restricted repetitive behavior
and, in many cases, sensory deficiencies and motor coordination problems.
Autism is a specific condition, but the term also refers to the autism spectrum
of disorders, which also includes Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental
disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). These three conditions may be
merged into one, to be labeled autism spectrum disorder, when the psychiatric
community releases an updated version of its guiding principles in May.
There's no cure for autism, and its cause - or, more
likely, complex web of multiple causes - is still a matter of heated debate.
Also hotly debated are possible treatments. Some are established and known to
be effective, at least if applied properly. Sustained, intense special
education and behavioral therapy, for example, can help the child with autism
develop and function in society. Other approaches have been subjected to less
research but show promise. These include dietary changes, which have been the
focus of much attention in recent years. Here's a look at the changes dietary
proponents recommend.
1. The GFCF Diet
The diet proposed as an alternative treatment for autism
is called the gluten-free/casein-free diet, or GFCF. The idea is to remove all
gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye, and all casein, which is found
in milk and other dairy products. The theory behind the diet is that children
with autism may be allergic or sensitive to gluten, casein or both, and that the
allergy or sensitivity plays a role in the symptoms of autism. More research is
needed to establish whether this is conclusively the case, but the diet is
popular among parents of autistic children, and many have reported improvements
in speech and behavior.
2. Why Gluten and Casein?
The theory is that people with symptoms of autism
process the proteins in gluten and casein differently than the rest of us. When
these proteins aren't properly digested, an organic substance known as a
peptide results. Dietary proponents, including a number of doctors, believe this
happens at an abnormal level in individuals with autism. They also believe these
peptides activate the same brain cells that process opiates such as heroin and
morphine. This, in turn, could lead to or aggravate behavioral problems.
3. What's the Evidence?
Most of the evidence behind the GFCF diet is
anecdotal - the individual stories of parents and doctors, in other words.
There are no conclusive studies one way or the other, and the available
research has found a lack of scientific evidence to support the diet as a
treatment alternative. But there is some legitimate scientific thinking behind
it. For one thing, researchers have found higher than normal peptide levels in
people with autism symptoms.
4. Avoiding Gluten
If you think the GFCF diet is right for your child,
you've got your work cut out for you. Grains and dairy are everywhere, and
cutting them out of anyone's diet is difficult. But it's certainly not
impossible. Gluten is used to hold baked products together. It's found in all
wheat, barley and rye, and that includes additives in many products. Always
read labels closely. The best way to avoid gluten is to shop exclusively at
stores that segregate their gluten-free products. With these items gone from
your child's diet, you'll need to make sure he or she receives extra fiber,
minerals and vitamins.
5. Avoiding Dairy
Cutting dairy out of your child's life means more
than just milk and milk products. Soy milk and other imitation milks may contain
casein, and so do some other products. Again, always read labels. And make sure
your child gets sufficient calcium and vitamin D.
Autism is a difficult condition to deal with,
and parents look to any treatment that shows hope of working. The evidence
behind the GFCF diet is uncertain, but it is gaining in popularity as an
alternative treatment. Avoiding gluten and casein is a difficult task, but one
many parents are willing to take on because they believe the diet offers a
solution.
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