According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated that an average of one in 110 children in the United States has an autism spectrum disorder. Several dietary adjustments are used in the autism community. These include the gluten-free casein free (GFCF) diet, rotation diet, antifungal diet and the Feingold diet. Another elimination diet growing in popularity is the specific carbohydrate diet (SCD).
Definition
According to registered dietitian Elizabeth Strickland, an SCD is recommended for a small subset of autistic children with gastrointestinal (GI) problems who have not responded to other elimination diets. Common GI symptoms include chronic loose stools, intermittent constipation, gas, bloating and abdominal pain. The diet is based on a theory that single unit carbohydrates (monosaccarides) are more easily digested than multi-unit carbohydrates (disaccharides and polysaccharides).
Function
Research also has indicated that a buildup of fungi and bacteria (from undigested carbohydrates) in the GI tract not only causes the symptoms listed above, but also neurological problems. Proponents of the SCD say that by “starving” the pathogens, they are eliminated from the body. Parents of autistic children who have tried the SCD have reported positive results in their child’s gastrointestinal and behavioral health.
Diet Details
The SCD is typically implemented for no longer than a year. This allows sufficient time for the gut to heal, resulting in improved GI tract health and behavior. The SCD eliminates starches, most sugars and consists mostly of meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. The diet is very restrictive, and parents need to plan their child’s diet carefully to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Benefits
According to the foundation Talk About Curing Autism (TACA), the following outcomes of the SCD are the most promising: reduction of food intolerances; acceptance of more meat, vegetables and fruit, and decreased “carb addiction”; and behavioral improvements such as better sleep habits, eye contact and increased cognitive function.
Expert Insight
Strickland reports that very few autistic children probably need the SCD. Other experts and she agree that starting with a GFCF diet is preferred. If this elimination diet is not successful in abating some of the aforementioned side affects, an SCD may be the next best course of action. Regardless, parents of autistic children should seek advice from an experienced registered dietitian and a Defeat Autism Now (DAN) doctor.
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