There is a general acceptance that developmental disorders such as Asperger's Syndrome, autism and pervasive development disorder are genetic in origin. Scientifically, the effects of diet remain unproved, but untold numbers of parents report that dietary changes have a definite influence on their Asperger child's symptoms. Many say their child's eye contact and attention span improve with special diets. Temper tantrums and foul moods become less frequent, and repetitive habits such as hand-flapping also wane. This is a welcome relief to the parents of a child who has Asperger's Syndrome, or as some refer to it, Asperger's Disease.
Gluten-free Diet
Gluten, blamed for sensitivity reactions that keep the digestive system in a state of unrest, can also influence the brain, according to United Kingdom gastroenterologist, Dr. Andrew Wakefield. Gluten exists in most grains, including wheat, rye and barley. Though eliminating gluten from the diet of an Asperger's child poses a challenge, more gluten-free products become available every day. The best results seem to come from combining a gluten-free diet with a casein-free diet.
Casein-free Diet
Casein, an enzyme found in dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, cream, ice cream and cream cheese, was identified as a cause of digestion problems in Asperger's children and for agitating parts of the brain. A gluten-free and casein-free diet appears to have dramatic effects on the behavior of children with developmental disorders. The change reduces angry outbursts and unusual body movements and improves social cue recognition.
Feingold Diet
Originally used to treat ADD and ADHD, the Feingold diet has had some success treating Asperger's, especially when used as an adjunct to other therapies. The foundation of the Feingold program involves a twofold process. Phase 1 eliminates all foods with artificial coloring, flavoring, sweeteners and preservatives. Phase 2 begins after six weeks on phase 1 and eliminates salicylates, crystalline organic acids found in fruits, vegetables and other plants. Then, systematically, the child tries each food one at a time to determine which foods he can tolerate and which ones worsens his symptoms. This painstaking approach insures that some foods from this group will provide nutrients.
Positive Attitudes
Following a diet that eliminates your child's favorite foods takes patience and determination. As parents, your attitude has a direct influence on your child's frame of mind. Set an example by adhering to a healthy, no junk-food diet for yourself and when entertaining guests. Explore a variety of safe foods with your child. Emphasize the positive effects of eating the right foods, rather than the feelings of deprivation. Be careful not to allow food to come between you in a power struggle. A nutrition counselor familiar with Asperger's syndrome can help. Consult a physician before implementing special diets.
References
- Autism, PDD-NOS & Asperger's Fact Sheets: Gluten and Casein-Free Diet for Autism
- Asperger's Resources: Asperger Syndrome and Gluten-Free Diet
- Feingold Association of the U. S.: Many Learning and Behavior Problems Begin in the Grocery Cart
- Your Little Professor.com: Diet and Nutrition for the Teen with Asperger's Syndrome
