Gluten-Free/Casein-Free Diets for Autism

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are developmental disorders that affect children by disrupting their ability to communicate and interact socially. To reduce a child's symptoms of autism, parents try alternative treatments such as specialized diets. In recent years, gluten-free/casein-free diet has grown in popularity. Many parents have reported improvements in autism symptoms with this dietary regimen.

It is important to note that little research has been done on the effects of the gluten-free/casein-free diet for autism and anyone interested in trying this diet should contact a healthcare professional or registered dietician.

A gluten-free/casein-free diet is also known as the GFCF diet. It is one of many alternative treatments for children with autism. When following this strict elimination diet, all foods containing gluten and casein are removed from the child's daily food intake.

Some parents of children with autism believe their children are allergic or sensitive to the components found in these foods. Some parents get their child tested for food allergies. Yet even when no allergy is confirmed, many parents of autistic children still choose to offer the GFCF diet. Among the benefits they report are changes in speech and behavior.

The theory behind the gluten-free/casein-free diet is based on children with autism possibly having an allergy or high sensitivity to certain foods. Specifically, the theory focuses on foods that contain gluten and casein. Children with autism, according to the theory, process peptides and proteins in foods containing gluten and casein differently than other people do. Hypothetically, this difference in processing may lead to autism symptoms. Some believe that the brain treats these proteins like false opiate-type chemicals, and as a result, the reaction to these chemicals leads a child to act a certain way.

Based on this theory, diets free of gluten and casein are given to children with autism. The itent and goal is to reduce symptoms and improve social and cognitive behaviors and speech.
Some argue that there is scientific merit to the reasoning behind a gluten-free/casein-free diet. Researchers have discovered abnormal levels of peptides in bodily fluids of some people who have symptoms of autism. Still, the effectiveness of a GFCF diet for autism has not been scientifically substantiated in randomized clinical trials. In fact, a review of recent and past studies concluded there is a lack of scientific evidence to say whether this diet can be helpful or not.

Unfortunately, eliminating all sources of gluten and casein is so hard that conducting randomized clinical trials in children may prove to be very difficult.

Gluten is a protein found in the seeds of several grains such as barley, oats, rye, and wheat. A huge number of foods contain gluten. Gluten provides structure or binding to baked products. While it's quite difficult to avoid gluten, many stores, particularly natural food stores, display foods in a gluten-free area of the store. Still, it's important to read nutrition labels to see if there are additives containing gluten.

When someone is on a gluten-free diet, most bread and grain products are forbidden. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the child (or other person) receives ample fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Supplementation can help make up for the lack of these nutrients when foods containing gluten are eliminated.

The Allergy Free Shop advises all readers that before starting a GFCF diet, you should seek the advice and consultation of a healthcare professional and registered dietician. For more questions, please contact us at our store OR click on the linkds below.

Helpful and Useful Links

Websites:

The Gluten-Free/Casein-Free Diet

University of Miami/Nova Southeastern University

Autism Society | Miami-Dade Chapter

The Autism Society