Gluten is the protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Casein is the protein found in dairy products. Eliminating gluten and casein has become a popular treatment for autism because evidence suggests a link between autism and gastrointestinal problems. The "Defeat Autism Now" movement, also called DAN, is a strong advocate of the gluten-free, casein-free lifestyle referred to as GF/CF.
Theories/Speculation
Autism Spectrum Disorders are a group of developmental disorders that reduce a person's ability to interact and communicate effectively. Proponents of the GF/CF diet believe that autism is a symptom of severe food allergies and that people with autism can not process the proteins and peptides in gluten and casein. The peptides cause a response in the person's brain and can alter reactions, perceptions and behavior, much like an opiate. Removing gluten and casein can improve speech and resolve cognitive issues.
More About Gluten
Gluten is found in wheat, rye, barley and anything made from these grains. Gluten is almost ubiquitous in food, and hard to avoid. Hidden sources of gluten include soy sauce, malt, malt vinegar, licorice, hydrolyzed vegetable protein and natural flavorings...even communion wafers contain gluten.
It's important to become an avid label reader and remember that "wheat-free" doesn't necessarily mean gluten free.
More About Casein
Casein is the protein found in dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt--anything made with cow's milk. Casein is also added to nondairy foods for extra protein or to add texture as an emulsifier. Whipped toppings, nutrition bars, fortified cereals and coffee whiteners can all contain casein. The only way to be sure a product is casein free is to carefully read the ingredients label.
Expert Insight
A study published in "Nutritional Neuroscience" in 2010 shows benefits to following a GF/CF diet "Our results suggest that dietary intervention may positively affect developmental outcome for some children diagnosed with ASD," says the study by a research group that included Paul Shattock and Dr. Paul Whiteley of ESPA Research. One of the most outspoken advocates of the GF/CF lifestyle is actress Jenny McCarthy, whose book "Louder Than Words" chronicles her personal experiences treating her autistic son with this diet.
There is conflicting research that shows no improvement in autistic behaviors with a change in diet. Dr. Susan Hyman, an associate professor of pediatrics at Golisano Children's Hospital at the University of Rochester Medical Center, says "the GF/CF diet didn't show significant benefits."
Avoiding Nutrtional Deficiencies
With so much conflicting information, the only way to know if the GF/CF diet could benefit your autistic child may be to try it yourself. When eliminating so much from your diet, it's important to make sure all of your nutritional needs are met. Try eating dark leafy green vegetables, carrot juice, sesame butter/tahini, canned fish with bones and tofu to replace the calcium and Vitamin D found in dairy.
Eat whole grains such as millet, quinoa and rice instead of wheat, rye and barley. Tamari is an excellent replacement for soy sauce and there are more and more gluten free products on the market, as awareness is raised about DAN and Celiac Disease.
Time Frame
Remove casein from your diet and it's out of your system fairly soon. However, gluten can be in your body for a full month even after you've stopped eating it. To see if the GF/CF diet works for you, expect to stay on it for at least six months before you may begin to see tangible results.
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