The rate of autism in children is growing quickly as of 2010. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 110 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Though the medical community is not sure what causes autism along with many other developmental delays, there are ways to improve the symptoms. Dietary intervention is a popular treatment for the symptoms of autism that the CDC has listed. The most widely used diet to treat children with developmental delays is known as the GFCF diet.
GFCF
GFCF is an acronym for gluten-free casein-free. Both are proteins found in wheat and dairy as well as other grains. Speculation from the autism community suggests that these particular proteins are difficult for certain children to digest properly. This difficulty may cause symptoms of autism spectrum disorder or other developmental delays. Removing gluten and casein from your child's diet may show improvement in his behavior. Though sufficient scientific evidence to support this theory is hard to find, many parents report the GFCF diet has helped their children.
Foods Containing Gluten and Casein
Wheat is not the only gluten-containing food out there. According to Talk About Curing Autism, a non-profit organization heavily involved in GFCF research, grains including rye, barley and oats may also contain gluten. Most commercially pre-made foods contain wheat or wheat flour. Any food that is made with breading may also contain gluten. Check the ingredient list on products you are about to purchase. Dairy is used in a variety of foods as well. It's important to note that products labeled "lactose free" or "dairy free" are not always casein free. However, the FDA requires all food manufacturers to list major allergens, including wheat and dairy, below the ingredient list printed on the package.
How GFCF Helps
Dr. Jerry Kartzinel suggests that children with developmental disorders have trouble digesting the gluten and casein proteins. Because of this, he speculates that these particular proteins can pass through the lining of your child's stomach and in to his bloodstream. Dr. Kartzinel describes this process as "leaky gut syndrome." Once the proteins enter the bloodstream and carry to the brain, it creates an opiate-type effect that may cause several typical symptoms observed in autistic children. By eliminating wheat and dairy from your child's diet, he may no longer be "leaking" these proteins in to his bloodstream, and his symptoms of autism may improve dramatically.
Results
Many parents claim improved behavior in their child within two weeks of starting the GFCF diet. Casein takes one to two weeks to leave your child's system. The gluten protein may take up to four months to completely leave his body. Once your child's body is free of the offending proteins, he may be able to sleep more efficiently, focus better and speak more clearly. After your child has been on the GFCF diet for approximately a year, you may be able to slowly reintroduce wheat and dairy back in his diet. However, some children may need to remain gluten and casein free for an indeterminate amount of time.
Warnings
Adjusting your child's diet should not be done without the supervision of a qualified health professional. It is important that your child receives proper nutrition throughout the GFCF diet. Blood tests and other lab work may be required to ensure the safety and health of your child.
