How to Use Diet to Affect Autism

With the alarming rise in the occurrence of autism, parents and doctors are looking to dietary and nutritional changes for help. Many parents report a decrease in their child's autistic behaviors with a five-stage gluten-free, casein-free diet. Though not yet medically proven, many anecdotal reports point to success. As with any treatment, it best to discuss the changes in diet with your child's doctor before getting started.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Eliminate all dairy products. This serves as the casein-free aspect of the diet. Casein is a protein found in dairy products and is said to have a high-allergy rate and negative effects on children with autism. Products that are labeled, "lactose-free" are not necessarily safe. Some of these products contain soy cheeses that may contain casein.

2. Eliminate all foods that contain gluten. Gluten is reported to have negative effects on some children with autism. This stage serves as the gluten-free portion of the diet. Gluten is found in starches, grains, wheat, rye, oats and barley. Acceptable forms of grain and starch during stage 2 include quinoa, amaranth, lupine, arrowroot, millet, sorghum, montina, yams, sweet potato and taro root.

3. Commence Stage 3. After eliminating all casein and gluten from the child's diet, consider other dietary changes. Some children with autism are reported to have allergies to soy, corn and other foods.

4. Eliminate foods with artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners and preservatives from the child's diet. This means not allowing your child to eat processed foods. Instead, fill her diet with nutritious, organic, whole foods.

5. Add in nutritional supplements. With help from your doctor, add additional nutritional supplements to the child's diet.

Tips & Warnings

• Always talk with your doctor before attempting the gluten-free, casein-free diet with your child.

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Resources

• See a list of gluten-free, casein-free, foods.

[SpecialEducator]

on 6/12/2008 To learn more about the gluten-free, casein-free diet, and to get child-friendly GFCF recipes, I recommend reading _The Kid Friendly ADHD and Autism Cookbook: The Ultimate Guide to the Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Diet by Pamela Compart and Dana Laake.