While there is no cure for autism or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, there are methods of managing the conditions. Autism is a developmental problem that appears in the first three years of life and affects a child's ability to communicate and interact with others. ADHD is a disorder characterized by problems with attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Autism and ADHD symptoms can be treated with medication and therapy. In some cases, changes to diet may be helpful as well.
Prevalence
The total prevalence of autism, Asperger's syndrome and related developmental disorders is estimated to be between 40 and 60 per 10,000 children, according to a 2003 study by E. Fombonne in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. About 8 to 12 percent of children worldwide have ADHD, according to a 2005 study published by J. Biederman and S.V. Faraone in the Lancet. About 40 percent to 80 percent of autistic spectrum children also have ADHD, according to a 2008 review by Luke T. Curtis and colleagues in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
Book
"The Autism & ADHD Diet: A Step-by-Step Guide to Hope and Healing by Living Gluten Free and Casein Free (GFCF) and Other Interventions" is a book by Barrie Silberberg, parent of a child with autism. Silberberg's son Noah reportedly experienced improved symptoms after being put on a gluten-free, casein-free diet. The diet also prohibits artificial dyes and preservatives. The book explains why the diet is presumed to work, how to start the diet, where to buy the foods, how to read nutrition labeling and how to stay on the diet in various situations, such as eating out or vacationing.
Gluten and Casein
A gluten-free/casein-free diet is also known as the GFCF diet. Gluten is a protein found in the seeds of several grains such as barley, rye, and wheat. It helps baked goods keep their proper shape. It is very difficult to eliminate it from the diet, although some grocery stores have gluten-free sections. Since most breads and grains are eliminated on gluten-free diets, it's important to use vitamin and mineral supplements. Casein is a protein found in dairy products and other foods containing lactose. Some foods claiming to be dairy-free or lactose-free still contain casein. Because the GFCF diet restricts dairy products, calcium and vitamin D supplements are necessary.
Food Intolerance or Allergies
Allergies and intolerance to certain food may affect autism and ADHD symptoms, according to the review in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Studies of the effect of gluten and casein on autism have shown mixed results, with some showing decreased symptoms and some showing no change. Some studies show that food additives can trigger worse ADHD symptoms. Artificial colors such as tartrazine significantly increase ADHD symptoms, according to the review.
Other food components that may worsen ADHD symptoms include food preservatives such as benzoate, nitrates, and monosodium glutamate as well as food that naturally contains salicylates. Salicylates are naturally found in foods, including almonds, oranges, raspberries, apples, cherries, grapes, peaches, strawberries, cucumbers, plums, and tomatoes. Because of nutritious value, these foods should not be completely eliminated from the diet. Other methods of treating ADHD should be considered first.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies may also affect autism and ADHD symptoms, according to the 2008 review in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Significantly lower levels of nutrients in blood, hair, and other tissues have been seen in autistic children including low levels of magnesium, zinc, selenium, vitamins A, B-complex, D, and E, Omega-3 fatty acids and carnitine. Studies involving nutritional supplementation have been shown to be helpful. Some studies have reported that people with ADHD have significantly lower levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in their blood phospholipids and red blood cells. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements have been helpful in some but not all studies. Supplementation of carnitine and zinc may be helpful in treating ADHD.
References
- "The Lancet"; Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.; D. McCann; Nov. 2007.
- "Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders"; Epidemiological surveys of autism and other pervasive developmental disorders: an update.; E. Fombonne ;Aug. 2003
- "Lancet'; Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; J. Biederman, SV Faraone; July 2005.
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; Nutritional and Environmental Approaches to Preventing and Treating Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Review; Luke T. Curtis et al; 2008.
