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Please click on the links below to read our articles. If you are interested in research findings, click here for links to research reports. Autistic Spectrum Disorders and food sensitivity Within the autistic community there is a body of children (and, increasingly, adults) whose condition can be affected by their diet. This group appears to consist mainly of those with regressive autism (who only became affected by the condition around the age of two) and those whose neurological and behavioural problems are accompanied by severe digestive problems often including intractable constipation. These children appear to be unable to metabolise, or digest, some of the major food proteins - gluten and casein in particular. (Gluten is the glue-like protein that is found in wheat and many grains, widely used in food manufacturing; casein is one of the proteins found in milk, also widely used in food manufacturing.) Instead of being processed by the digestion in the normal way, the gluten and casein appear only to be partially metabolised, turning into morphine like substances which escape through the ‘leaky’ wall of the gut into the blood stream and thence to the brain. Because the digestive system is not functioning properly, these people are also unable to dispose of, or excrete, many of the chemicals found either in their food or their environment. The chemical additives, colourings and sweeteners found in food can therefore also affect their condition. Diets which exclude many or all of these substances have been found to be effective for some of these children - and adults. For some the improvements have been significant, but not earth shattering. But for some children the diet has been totally successful and what appeared to be a profoundly autistic child has become, and remained, ‘normal’ as long as he or she remained on the diet.. Some other helpful websites focusing on diet:
Divorce when autistic children are involved. Helpful pointers from a Californina attorney. April 2017 Taking autistic children to the dentist. Advice on minimising the trauma of dentist visits for autistic children. April 2017 Nutritional and dietary approaches to the management of autism – Dr Janice Joneja. November 2014 Autistic 7-year-old significantly improved by Faecal Microbiota Transplants used to combat his Clostridium difficile infection and chronic constipation. June 2014 An extract, by Paul Whiteley of ESPA Research, from a new book, Autism: exploring the benefits of a gluten- and casein-free diet. A practical guide for families and professionals by Paul Whiteley, Mark Earnden & Elouise Robinson. May 2014 The essential diet for children with autism - a very helpful diet article by Dr Natasha Campbell McBride on the Autism File website. May 2012 Hyperbaric oxygen and inflammation – Jane Dean explains how it can also be used to treat allergy and, maybe, even autism. April 2012 Surfing proves to be very helpful for autistic children - watch the interview A helpful article from Suite 101 on MSG - one of the main ingredients to be avoided on the glute/casein-free diet for autism. 2009 Report on Secretin in the treatment of autism: Brief report on the new use of Secretin’s positive effects on autistic patients – Latitudes 1999 First Published 1999 Top of page |
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Research Reports |
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The ketogenic diet was trialled in an open study of 15 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This is a diet low in carbohydrates and high in fat. Children’s core symptoms of ASD dropped significantly over the 3 month period. Unexpected improvement in core autism spectrum disorder symptoms after long-term treatment with probiotics. Can broccoli extract really help autism? October 2014 Autism treated by a gluten/casein-free diet. May 2013 A first-ever vaccine created by researchers for gut bacteria common in autistic children may also help control some autism symptoms. April 2013 Pets help autistic children develop social skills. Research here and comment here. 08/12 New research suggests that the area of the brain that controls social behaviour is not as damaged in adolescents with ASD as was previously believed and, by playing to their strengths – high intelligence and very specific interests – these adolescents are as capable of forging strong friendships. 09/12 Oxytocin - a naturally occurring substance produced in the brain and body - increases brain function in regions that are known to process social information in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). 05/12 Giving children with autism greater opportunity to control and add content of their own to the games they play could improve their ability to socially interact – although the fact that the interactivity is currently activated by wifi is unfortunate as the cell membranes in children on the spectrum are a third thinner than neurotypical children so wifi technology is not suitable for them to use. (Courtesy Cathy Stastny) 02/12 Digital worlds can help autistic children to develop social skills Children with autism benefit from early, intensive therapy Is autism related to CFS and Fibromyalgia? Autism researchers present findings on complementary medicine use and nutrition Playing with building blocks of creativity helps children with autism New approach finds success in teaching youth with autism Dogs can reduce the stress levels of autistic children Children on the autistic spectrum may be fussy eaters but do not appear to suffer nutritionally Gluten and casein-free trials prove positive for ASD children Hormone oxytocin may help people with autism to relate better to others. Why autistic people hate being hugged Intense remedial reading training increases brain’s ability to transmit signals Chelation therapy helps excretion of heavy metals and overall symptoms in children with autism Studying the impact of music on children with autism Melatonin an effective treatment for sleep problems in children with autism Worms as a treatment for autism 1 Worms as a treatment for autism 2 Hyperbaric autism treatment shows possible promise Robotics may help children with autism Guernsey milk and autism Autistic perspective important for improved understanding of their needs Deficient cholesterol: a common new factor in autism Toxic metals and autism The Lyme-Autism connection Sensory treatment reduces autistic mannerisms DMG and autism 'Virtual Peers' may teach children with autism Program assists brothers and sisters of kids with autism Training groups can improve social skills in autistic adolescents Learning music may help children’s communication skills more than studying phonics Research study planned for glutathione therapy for autism Hyperbaric oxygen used in treatment of autism Enzyme modification reverses autism in mice Probiotics and autism A hug a day keeps anxiety at bay Whistle is blown on official approach to autism NB Information on this site is not a substitute for medical advice and no liability can be assumed for its use.
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