The Autism Diet is a plan that parents follow as a way to help relieve symptoms of autism. According to Autism Web, some parents have reported that making certain adjustments to their child's diet has resulted in speech and behavior improvements. However, a study funded by the National Institutes of Mental Health Studies to Advance Autism Treatment Research and the National Center for Research Resources found the diet ineffective for treating autism.
Function
The Autism Diet involves removing foods that contain gluten and casein from the diet of a child diagnosed with autism. The theory behind the diet is that autistic patients have difficulty digesting these proteins and can experience gastrointestinal problems. The substances reportedly act like opiates due to improper digestion, and affect the person's behavior, explains Autism Web.
Prevention/Solution
Gluten is a protein found in numerous grain products. When following the Autism Diet, rye, wheat, oat, barley and bulgur should be avoided. Other foods that contain gluten and should also be avoided are soy sauce, vinegar, artificial colors and artificial flavorings. Casein is found in milk and foods that contain milk. Children on the diet should not eat any cheese, butter, margarine, yogurt or ice cream.
Considerations
There are certain food substitutes that can be given to a child following an Autism Diet. Instead of cow's milk, gluten free and casein free varieties of soy, almond and potato milk are available. Grain products made from rice or potato flour can be consumed. Baking goods can be found at supermarkets that are labeled as gluten free.
Expert Insight
The Rochester University study funded by the National Institutes of Mental Health Studies to Advance Autism Treatment Research and the National Center for Research Resources and published in May 2010 found that no attention, activity, or bowel changes were noted in children with autism after giving them snacks containing casein and gluten. The study concluded that gluten free and casein free diets did not significantly improve autism symptoms.
Warning
Before you change your child's diet, consult with a pediatrician and a nutritionist to be sure you will be providing a healthy diet . A doctor can perform tests to determine if your child is allergic to gluten or casein, and if so, foods with these proteins should be removed from his diet immediately. Also, if an allergy is present, it could be the reason that the autistic child is suffering from certain digestive and possibly even behavioral issues, according to the Autism Network for Dietary Intervention.
