Sensory integration dysfunction, or SID, is a disorder that affects how the information taken in through the senses is processed and coordinated. The person with SID may be able to gain information using her senses, but the brain does not always know what to do with it. This often results in chaotic behavior, disorganized emotional responses and sensory-seeking or sensory-avoiding activities. Many people who are diagnosed with SID exhibit behaviors such as avoidance of certain foods, irritability due to textures or sounds or excessive risk-taking behavior, all of which can significantly impact quality of life. Treatment involves working with an occupational therapist; some people have found success by eliminating certain foods from the diet.
SID Influences Behavior
Many people react to sensory input in ways that are normal but that slightly alter behavior or choices; for example, you might be unable to read or study if a loud conversation is going on in the room. People with SID are diagnosed when the level of sensory input affects them to such a degree that it interrupts their abilities to learn or relate to others. SID may exist on its own or it can be related to other types of neurological dysfunctions. For example, some children with autism spectrum disorders also have SID (see reference 4). Some parents of children with autism and SID try making diet changes through a gluten-free, casein-free diet to help with some negative behaviors (see reference 2).
Gluten-free, Casein-free
The gluten-free, casein-free diet, or GFCF, is one that restricts products that contain the proteins gluten and casein. Gluten is one of the proteins found in wheat and it is also in foods containing rye and barley, so the diet involves eliminating all of these types of foods, including those with these types of flour, such as bread, cakes, pies, pasta, cookies, many cereals, pancakes and crackers. Casein is the protein found in milk; in order to avoid casein, dairy products must be eliminated from the diet including milk, yogurt, cream, cheese, ice cream and butter.
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Some people use the GFCF diet among those who have a condition known as leaky-gut syndrome. According to Vanderbilt University, in this condition, the intestines become more porous and protein molecules known as peptides can leave the intestines and enter circulation, ultimately affecting the nervous system. The result is bowel changes that lead to constipation or loose stools and abdominal pain. People with autism spectrum disorders along with SID may react poorly to bowel changes, affecting behavior, activities and overall demeanor. By removing gluten and casein from the diet, the bowel may begin to heal from leaky gut syndrome, which may improve bowel symptoms as well as behavior.
Alternative Therapy
While a GFCF diet can have many benefits for a reduction in self-stimulating behaviors associated with sensory integration dysfunction, it is used in conjunction with other types of therapy, such as vestibular activities and intervention with an occupational therapist. The diet is considered as an alternative form of therapy, but does not exist as a cure for the disorder. Because it is an alternative therapy, it may be viewed with skepticism by some professionals, although many families have found success with this type of diet. If your child is being treated for SID and is on a GFCF diet, she can receive these foods at school. According to Talk About Curing Autism, or TACA, federal law in the United States requires that public schools must comply with a GFCF diet if the student has a condition that warrants it as noted in her individualized education plan.
References
- Kentucky Partnership for Families and Children, Inc.; Sensory Integration Dysfunction; Janet Boughter; February 2007
- Talk About Curing Autism; An Essential Handout for Teachers and Aides; Mary Fry, et al.; July 2009
- Vanderbilt University; Gluten-Free Casein-Free Diet: A Cure for Autism?; Jenny Garcia; April 2010
