While there is no specific, medically-recommended diet to treat the symptoms of autism, some parents do try dietary interventions to help their children. Possible diets to treat the symptoms of autism include a gluten-free and casein-free diet; the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, or SCD; and the Feingold Diet. If parents wish to implement a restrictive diet, they should do so in consultation with a registered dietitian to create a healthy and well-balanced diet.
Feingold Diet
The Feingold Diet is the least restrictive of the diets commonly used for autism. Rather than eliminating entire food groups, this diet simply eliminates food additives and preservatives, including food coloring and salicylates. People on the Feingold Diet may consume a wide variety of whole, unprocessed foods, including meat, vegetables, fruits, grains and dairy products. Some processed foods are acceptable, but families need to read labels carefully and choose foods without artificial colors or flavors.
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet was not specifically designed to treat autism, but rather a variety of gut disorders, including Crohn's disease and irritable bowel disease. The diet is free of grains, sugar or sucrose, and lactose. Unprocessed meats, frozen or fresh vegetables, fruit and nuts, and dairy products low in lactose, like hard cheeses and homemade yogurt, are allowed. Oils and fats, including coconut and olive oil are acceptable, as is honey, if tolerated.
Gluten-free, Casein-free Diets
Gluten-free, casein-free diets are the most popular of the diets used to treat autism. This diet eliminates wheat and other grains that contain gluten, as well as all dairy products. Other foods may be avoided if they are poorly tolerated. Most children on a gluten-free, casein-free, or GFCF diet, can consume a variety of grains, including rice and corn, vegetables, fruits, soy products, nuts and meat.
Concerns
While the Feingold diet does not restrict healthy foods, both the specific carbohydrate diet and gluten-free, casein-free diet may pose nutritional challenges. Children on these diets are at risk of developing deficiencies of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, calcium, iron and protein. If you do opt to try one of these diets, consult your child's doctor and seek assistance for planning acceptable meals and snacks.
References
- SCD Diet: About the Specific Carbohydrate Diet
- GFCF Diet: The GFCF Diet Intervention--Autism Diet
- Feingold Diet: FAQ
- Mayo Clinic: Can Special Diets Help Children Who Have Autism?; Jay L. Hoecker
- University of Rochester Medical Center: Rochester Autism Researchers Present New Findings at IMFAR; May 13, 2011
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