The type of diet most commonly used as a treatment intervention for children with autism is one that eliminates gluten and casein. This diet, known as the Gluten Free Casein Free diet, or GFCF, eliminates foods that contain the protein gluten, contained in wheat, barley and rye, as well as casein, the protein found in dairy products. The elimination of these proteins is thought to reduce the behavioral symptoms of autism. The diet itself can be introduced gradually or in stages and requires supplementing with vitamins and other nutritional supplements. Parents can implement this diet themselves; however, it is best if it is conducted in consultation with a pediatrician.
Theory
According to Autism Speaks, the concept behind the GFCF diet is that some children cannot absorb the proteins found in foods that contain gluten and casein. This is not considered a food allergy, but children may react to the presence of these proteins with different behavioral symptoms. When these proteins are not digested, they can travel through the bloodstream and cross into the brain where they interfere with functioning. These undigested proteins essentially hinder the brain's ability to send signals and messages. This is thought to lead to the behaviors often seen in children with autism, such as unusual behavior, attention problems and poor social skills.
Stages
The GFCF diet intervention website outlines stages of the diet that should be undertaken in order for there to be a smooth transition. The diet should begin with the elimination of casein, then gluten. This can be done very gradually, one meal each day for a week, then two meals each day, etc. It is also important to add foods to the child's diet that they may not eat, so that the elimination of all foods containing gluten and casein does not eliminate their entire diet. Some children have allergies to foods that are used as a substitute for gluten or casein, such as soy. This needs to be considered as the dietary intervention is planned. Additionally, some parents choose to eliminate artificial food coloring and preservatives, consistent with the Feingold Diet. The final step is to supplement the child's diet with vitamins if needed to maintain a good nutritional balance. The website provides a list of foods to avoid and instructions on how to read labels to determine gluten or casein content.
Effectiveness
Little research has been conducted on the efficacy of this diet, notes Autism Speaks, but some families have reported that they notice changes in their children's behavior, including sleep and bowel habits, and better progress overall. The GFCF diet intervention website includes several success stories in which families report positive behavioral changes in their children. However, a research study conducted at the University of Rochester published in 2010 found that the diet did not lead to any significant improvements or changes in sleep, behavior or bowel problems. Currently, there is no strong evidence that the diet can create significant change in the symptoms of autism.
