Autism is a developmental disorder that affects many children. Some people have hypothesized that following a special diet that contains no gluten or casein can relieve some of the symptoms of autism. The effectiveness of this diet has not been supported by research studies, so talk to your doctor before making any changes to your child's diet.
What Is Autism?
Autism is a developmental disorder that usually manifests during the first three years of life. This disorder of the brain affects communication and social behavior and is caused by abnormal biological and chemical activity in the brain, though the exact causes of these abnormalities is not known. Autism appears to have a genetic component, as it may run in families. Autism affects boys three to four times as often as girls, and there is no known cure.
Gluten-Free and Casein-Free Diet for Autism
One dietary remedy that some use for autism is a diet that excludes all foods that contain gluten or casein. Gluten is a protein found in some grains, such as barley, rye and wheat, and is found in many baked goods. When you consume foods with gluten, the proteins are broken down into smaller molecules. Casein, on the other hand, is a protein commonly found in milk and other dairy products. If your child is put on this diet, you will need to eliminate all gluten- and casein-containing foods.
Theory
The theory behind this diet is that inflammatory reactions to certain dietary substances can affect autism. If your infant is autistic, he has a greater risk of having allergies to certain substances, including gluten and casein. The theory behind the gluten-free and casein-free diet is that by eliminating these foods, inflammation that could potentially affect brain function and development is reduced. According to the Autism Research Institute, many parents report improvements in their child's symptoms on a diet free of gluten and casein.
Limitations
Although there is anecdotal evidence that a diet that excludes gluten and casein will be beneficial for your autistic toddler, a report from the University of Rochester suggests that this diet may not have any advantages over a regular diet. Researchers at the University of Rochester have found that putting children on a casein- and gluten-free diet does not provide any scientifically significant reduction in symptoms. Even if you do not give your toddler a special diet, it is important to provide your toddler with a mixture of different foods to maintain health. This includes a cup each of fruits and vegetables for 2-year-olds, as well as 2 oz. of meat, 3 oz. of grain and 2 cups of milk or a milk substitute. If you put your child on a casein-free diet, your doctor can help you find other sources of vitamin D and calcium for your toddler's diet. Talk to your doctor before putting your toddler on any sort of special diet.
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