The Gluten-Free/Casein-Free diet has been helpful to many children with autism. The theory behind the diet posits that some children with autism have difficulty breaking down casein (milk products) and gluten (wheat products) peptides. It is thought that the overabundance of these incompletely digested peptides acts as a morphine-like substance in the body and may contribute to the symptoms of autism. Many parents report improvements in behavior, attention, and communication after carefully implementing the diet. I am certainly no expert on the diet but the links below will lead you to real experts. I am also including links to information on enzymes that help the body digest the gluten and casein peptides.
GFCF (and other) Diet Links:
Autism Network for Dietary Intervention (ANDI) - Lisa Lewis and Karen Seroussi combine forces to edit this wonderful web site designed to provide help and support for families using a gluten and casein free diet in the treatment of autism and related developmental disabilities.
GFCFDiet.com - Comprehensive information on the Gluten Free & Casein Free diet.
About.com GFCF Diet - Lots of information and links.
BBBAutism.com GFCF Diet - GFCF Diet and D.A.N. info.
TACA GFCF Diet - GFCF Diet info and recipes.
Autism Recovery Network's GFCF Diet Info - GFCF Diet info and recipes.
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet - The SCD is based on the premise that limiting the diet to simple sugars (usually for at least a year) will starve out toxic organisms in the GI tract and restore gut integrity and immune function. It eliminates starches and most sugars, and consists mainly of meats, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Some children with autism who have tried the SCD have experienced relief from GI symptoms like diarrhea and constipation, and from multiple food intolerances. Some significant behavioral improvements have also been reported, including mood stability, improved sleep and reduced hyperactivity. For more info on the SCD, you can buy or borrow a copy of "Breaking the Vicious Cycle" by Elaine Gottschall, or use resources on the Internet to fully understand the guidelines for the SCD. You can start with the following links: www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info (Gottschall's site - includes food lists) www.scdrecipe.com www.scdiet.org .
Autism.tv - Videos from D.A.N. Conferences. Sponsored by the Autism Research Institute and the Center for the Study of Autism.
Enzyme Links:
Enzymestuff.com - Great information on all the wonderful things enzymes do for our body and how they can help with autism. Very readable.
Yahoo Discussion Group - Enzymes and Autism - "A forum for the discussion of digestive enzymes and how their supplementation affect those dealing with disorders on the autistic spectrum/PDD, attention deficit, digestion/malabsorption, food sensitivities/allergies and other uses." Check out the latest data on the reported improvements in children taking the enzymes.
Autism: An Overview - Dr. Lewis Mehl-Madrona - An excellent summary of the causes of autism with a fantastic discussion (though complex) of how gluten and casein may produce casomorphin and dermorphin in the body. Information on Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV is a peptidase that breaks down the morphine-like peptides).
Is Autism a G-Alpha Protein Defect Reversible with Natural Vitamin A? - Dr. Megson on autism and vitamin A - A must-read article. Also see her web site at this link.
Other Links:
Kirkman Labs - High quality vitamins and dietary supplements for all children and specialty products for children with autism.
Dimethylglycine (DMG) and Autism - The Center for the Study of Autism article on the effects of Dimethylglycine (DMG) on Autism symptoms.
Melatonin and Autism - The Center for the Study of Autism article on the effects of melatonin on Autism symptoms.
Exercise and Autism - The Center for the Study of Autism article on the effects of physical exercise on Autism symptoms.
Candida Yeast and the Autism Connection - The Center for the Study of Autism article on the relationship between Candida Yeast and Autism.
Vitamin B6 and Magnesium and Autism - The Center for the Study of Autism article on the effects of Vitamin B6 with Magnesium on Autism symptoms.
The Great Plains Laboratory - Dr. William Shaw discusses interesting correlations between ear infections, antibiotics, and yeast infections.
DISCLAIMER: This site is intended to provide basic information resources on Autistic Disorder. It is not intended to, nor does it, constitute medical or other advice. The author of the web site is not a medical doctor. Readers are warned not to take any action with regard to medical treatment or otherwise based on the information on this web site or links without first consulting a physician. This web site does not necessarily endorse any of the information obtained from any of the links on this page or links that other pages may lead you to. Neither does this web site promote or recommend any treatment, therapy, institution or health care plan. The information contained in this site is intended to be for your general education and information only and not for use in pursuing any treatment or course of action. Ultimately, the course of action in treating a given patient must be individualized after a thorough discussion with the patient's physician(s) and family.