Autism, a disorder of child development, reveals signs and symptoms typically in the first two years of life. Symptoms of autism include repetitive behaviors, avoidance of eye contact, problems with social interaction and difficulty communicating. The so-called "autistic spectrum" of disorders includes autism, Asperger's syndrome and also PDD-NOS or "pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified." Researchers note that children with autistic spectrum disorders commonly suffer from gastrointestinal issues, and it has even been suggested that gut-related absorption and nutritional problems could be a possible cause of autism. Several dietary options have been shown to help control autistic symptoms.
Step 1
Seek medical advice regarding dietary treatment of autism. There are inherent risks associated with any restrictive diet, and so a major dietary change should not be implemented without the approval and supervision of a doctor.
Step 2
Test your child's urine for peptide levels. Individuals with autism often have high peptide levels in urine, and this is believed to be caused by gut malfunction -- the gut does not properly break down or absorb these peptides. A 1999 British study on autism and diet found that high peptide levels disrupt body processes and can negatively affect learning, social interaction, attention span and brain maturation.
Step 3
Initiate a gluten-free or milk-free diet if your child is found to have elevated peptide levels. Peptides come from gluten and also from the milk protein casein. Eliminating either or both of these substances should help lower peptide levels. A gluten-free diet excludes wheat, rye, barley, malts, spelt and in some cases oats. The effectiveness of a milk-free diet in reducing autistic behaviors was proved by a 2003 study in Scandinavia. A milk-free diet can be followed separately or in combination with a gluten-free diet.
Tips and Warnings
- Another possible gastrointestinal problem associated with autism is the presence of abnormal gut flora. A 2005 study at England's University of Reading found prebiotic and probiotic diets to be helpful for children with autism whose gut flora was unbalanced. The ketogenic diet, traditionally used in the treatment of epilepsy, has also been found effective as a dietary intervention for some children with autism (reference 2). This is a high-fat and low-carbohydrate diet proved effective with regards to autism by a 2003 study carried out in Greece.
- Ensure children receive sufficient calcium if following a milk-free diet. Calcium is found in various foodstuffs, or can be taken as a dietary supplement. The ketogenic diet carries the risk of raising cholesterol levels. Assess whether a young child will be able to tolerate a restrictive diet, or whether this may lead to increased frustration and negative behaviors. Almost a quarter of children in the Greek study (reference 2) were intolerant of the ketogenic diet. Dietary interventions are a complementary therapy, and should not replace conventional treatment for autism.
References
- "Journal of Medical Microbiology;" Differences Between the Gut Microflora of Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders and that of Healthy Children ; H. Parracho et al.; 2005
- "Journal of Child Neurology;" Application of a Ketogenic Diet in Children With Autistic Behavior: Pilot Study; A. Evangeliou et al.; 2003
- "Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities;" Effect of a Dietary Intervention on Autistic Behavior; A.M. Knivsberg et al.; November 2003
- "Autism;" A Gluten-Free Diet as an Intervention for Autism and Associated Spectrum Disorders: Preliminary Findings; P. Whiteley et al.; March 1999
