Autism is a highly variable neurodevelopmental disorder that first appears during infancy or childhood. Symptoms gradually begin after the age of six months and tend to continue through adulthood. It is distinguished by a triad of symptoms: impairments in social interaction, impairments in communication and restricted interests and repetitive behavior. Other aspects, such as atypical eating, are also common but are not essential for diagnosis. Milder cases may be diagnosed as Pervasive Developmental Disorder or Asperger's Syndrome. There is no known cause or cure for autism, yet some doctors and families with autistic children believe that diet may alleviate symptoms.
GFCF Diet
The Gluten Free/Casein Free diet was initially born from research done by Dr.Kalle Reichelt in the 90s stating that gluten and casein have opiate-like effects after being digested and broken down by those with autism. The removal of gluten and/or casein from the diet of people with autism has since been reported by numerous parents to improve in behaviors associated with autism. Gluten and gluten-like proteins are found in wheat and other grains, such as oats, rye, barley, bulgar, kamut and spelt, and in foods made from those grains. They are also found in food starches, semolina, couscous, malt, some vinegars, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, flavorings, artificial colors and hydrolyzed vegetable proteins. Casein essentially is found in all dairy and milk proteins.
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet is based on the premise that limiting the diet to simple sugars, usually for at least a year, will starve out toxic organisms in the gastrointestinal tract and restore gut integrity and immune function. The science behind this diet states that a person with autism has an adverse effect to the disaccharides and the polysaccharides in complex carbs and sugars. After ingesting them, they get gas, the stomach over-produces acids, and often nausea, heartburn and vomiting occur. It is believed that these gastrointestinal issues may contribute to behavioral issues.
The Feingold Diet
In 1973, Dr. Benjamin Feingold founded the KP diet, based loosely on a diet plan the Mayo Clinic developed for those with food allergies. Dr. Feingold stated that salicylates, artificial colors and artificial flavors cause hyperactivity in children. Now known as the Feingold Diet, it is a food elimination program that prohibits dietary choices that contain synthetic foods and flavorings. The diet has been met with equal praise and skepticism over the past 30 years.
Controversies
Researchers have still not definitely concluded that any special diet can be touted as a successful treatment of autism. In May 2010, a study by the University of Rochester found that a GFCF diet did not have any impact on the participants of its study. While many parents still claim many of these diets work, the study does mention that more research on a greater population of those with autism would be needed.
