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What is Autism: Featured Intervention, March 2010
Gluten Free Casein Free Diet
Often called "the diet" among parents who are familiar with it, the gluten free casein free diet (also known as GF/CF diet ) involves removing the proteins gluten (found in wheat, barley, rye and sometimes oats) and casein (found in milk products). The Autism Research Institute maintains a database of parent ratings of Behavioral Effects of Biomedical Interventions. According to the database, of the 2561 parents that tried the GF/CF diet with their children, 66% said they saw improvement. When there are digestive issues (as is the case with many children on the autism spectrum), gluten and casein are unable to digest properly and can cause neurological issues, mood swings and behavior problems.
Adherence to the GF/CF diet includes not only removing wheat, barley, rye and dairy products but also checking ingredients in products and familiarizing oneself with ingredients that may contain hidden sources of these proteins. Sometimes the benefits are seen rather quickly, however, sometimes it can be months until results are seen.
By Stephanie Goodman, CNC
Progressive Nutriion Solutions, LLC
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