Each year an estimated one in 150 American children are diagnosed with autism, a developmental disorder characterized by impaired social and communication skills. With autism cases on the rise and no known cure, parents are turning to diet to help treat their children. While anecdotal evidence suggests altering diet might help alleviate and even eliminate symptoms, scientists say more research is necessary before drawing any conclusions. If your child has autism and you are considering changes to his diet, talk to your doctor.
Diet Challenges
Children with autism have a short attention span, making it difficult to sit through a full meal and eat enough food. A child with autism also is overly sensitive to taste or smell. Your child might dislike certain foods or groups of foods such as vegetables, fruits or soft foods, narrowing food choices and causing constipation. Compounding this effect are some stimulant medications used to treat autism, which might lead to a decreased appetite.
Gluten and Casein
While the exact cause of autism is unknown, scientists believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors are to blame. Another possible cause might include diet. One popular theory suggests a diet free of the proteins gluten, found in wheat, rye and barley, and casein, found in dairy products, can help alleviate autism symptoms. According to the unproven theory, people with autism cannot break down foods containing these proteins. Scientists believe these people have a digestive problem known as leaky gut syndrome, which allows these intact proteins to enter the bloodstream rather than being broken down and absorbed by the intestinal wall. Once in the bloodstream, the proteins affect the brain and central nervous system, causing symptoms such as speech and language delays, repetitive behaviors and excessive activity.
Research
Preliminary scientific research on the link between diet, particularly a gluten-free, casein-free diet, and autism remains mixed. A study by Jennifer Harrison Elder and colleagues in the April 2006 issue of the "Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders" noted anecdotal evidence of the positive effects of a gluten-free, casein-free diet in children with autism. According to the authors, parents of seven of the 13 children studied reported improvements in language, reduced hyperactivity and fewer tantrums; however, the authors also found no significant differences in overall behavior. A review of 14 scientific studies by Austin Mulloy and colleagues in a July to September 2010 issue of the journal "Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders" found evidence supporting a link between a gluten-free, casein-free diet limited and weak due to few quality and rigorous studies. Similarly, a review by Claire Millward and colleagues in an April 2008 issue of the "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews" calls for additional large-scale research trials that also examine the potential harm of the diet.
Risks
Altering your child's diet to eliminate certain foods might have health consequences. A study by Georgianne L. Arnold and colleagues in an August 2003 issue of the "Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders" noted children on a gluten-free, casein-free diet had nutritional deficiencies compared with children on an unrestricted diet. What's more, a study by Mary L. Hediger and colleagues in a May 2008 issue of the "Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders" found that boys on a casein-free diet showed slower bone development compared with boys on an unrestricted or somewhat restricted diet. Additional risks of modifying a child's diet include the social stigma of specialized diets, the cost of buying specialty foods and time spent preparing meals, Mulloy adds. If you are considering changing your child's diet, speak to a health-care professional.
References
- "Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders"; The Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Diet In Autism --- Results of a Preliminary Double Blind Clinical Trial; Jennifer Harrison Elder, et al.; April 2006
- "Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders"; Gluten-Free and Casein-Free Diets in The Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders --- A Systematic Review; Austin Mulloy, et al.; July to September 2010
- "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews"; Gluten and Casein-Free Diets For Autistic Spectrum Disorder; Claire Millward, et al.; April 2008
- "Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders"; Plasma Amino Acid Profiles in Children With Autism --- Potential Risk of Nutritional Deficiencies; Georgianne L. Arnold, et al.; August 2003
- "Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders"; Reduced Bone cortical Thickness in Boys With Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder; Mary L. Hediger, et al.; May 2008
- "Nutrition in Clinical Practice"; The Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Diet in Autism --- An Overview With Clinical Implications; Jennifer Harrison Elder; December 2008
