This section covers the full spectrum of autistic type disorders from dyslexia or ADHD to full blown autism and inlcudes reports of a number of conferences as well as a selection of articles.

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October 2009
Can you help with research into the efficacy of the gluten-free/casein-free (GFCF) diet? Newcastle University is carrying out a survey into parents’ and professionals’ attitudes to dietary interventions in autism and is recruiting for participants. Click here to find out more.

Autitsic 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..

For more information check (in the UK) Allergy Induced Autism (www.autismmedical.com) Autism Unravelled (www.autism-unravelled.org) or The Autism File (www.autismfile.com)

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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