Autism

Best Autism Resources for

Gluten & Casein Free Diets

There is a body of research that suggests that diet can
attribute to a child's behavior.

Allergic reactions to certain foods and sensitivities
can make it worthwhile to monitor your child's diet
and their reaction or subsequent behavior.

Gluten and casein are two ingredients that are getting
a lot of attention in the autism community.

Some parents, doctors and researchers say that children
have shown mild to dramatic improvements in speech
and/or behavior after these substances were removed
from their diet.

Some parents report no benefits from the diet.

Gluten and gluten-like proteins are found in wheat
and other grains, including oats, rye, barley, bulgur,
durum, kamut and spelt, and foods made from those
grains.

They are also found in food starches, semolina,
couscous, malt, some vinegars, soy sauce, flavorings,
and artificial colors and hydrolyzed vegetable proteins.

Casein is a protein found in milk and products
containing milk, such as cheese, butter, yogurt,
ice cream, whey and even some brands of margarine.

It also may be added to non-milk products such as
soy cheese and hot dogs in the form of caseinate.

This is based on the theory is that some people with
autism and PDD cannot properly digest gluten and casein.

As a result, this may alters the person's behavior,
perceptions, and responses to his environment,
according to this theory.

Research in the U.S. and Europe has found substances
with opiate activity in the urine of a significant
number of children with autism.

A doctor can order a urinary peptide test that
can tell if proteins are not being digested properly.

An interesting book on the subject is

“Special Diets for Special Kids- Two" by Lisa Lewis.

This book outlines a diet free of gluten and casein
and is complete with more than 150 recipes that can
be utilized.

Using a common-sense approach, Dr. Lewis, who is a
mother of autistic children, provides specific
examples of food allergies and intolerances which
impact health and behavior in children with autism
or related developmental disorders, lists of
vitamins, minerals, and supplements; and much more.

To read more about this book click the blue link
below which says "Special Diets":

Special Diets