We are just about to start my daughter who has Autism on the Gluten/ Casein free diet. Is this a healthy diet? Should we also put our 1 year old son on it as well even if he does not have Autism?
2007-09-19 16:59:01 · 10 answers · asked by mykidsrcuter 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
First off, it is not true that a gluten free diet applies only to celiacs as stated by one or two previous respondents. Autism in particular often responds **very well** to a gluten and casein free diet.
Now, as for putting your other child on the same diet, there are pros and cons.
If you are ALL as a family going to eat the same thing (at least when the kids are up and about and seeing what you are eating), this would be very helpful. Children like to eat the same as everyone else, at home or outside.
It's generally easier to get used to the GFCF regime if you're not coping with multiple diets at the same time, and you don't run the risk of accidentally including something that contains one of the risk factors, simply because it's in the cupboard. That way, you could keep some "normal" treats somewhere special, where the kids won't come across them, and have your remaining food strictly edible by everyone. No risks of using something you shouldn't, everything in your kitchen will be "safe".
The con is that you will have to be sure and balance your one-year-old's diet carefully - but as you will be doing that for your other child, anyway, I don't see that as a major hurdle. And if both kids are eating the same, the autistic one won't think she is being singled out to miss out on stuff everyone else is eating.
2007-09-21 04:56:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
well I havent done it other than for a year as a teen when they suspected I had celiac disease. A friend of mine has an autistic 4 y old and he has been in gluten and dairy free diet since he was 2. ( he was diagnosed at around 18 mos as very severely autistic, very delayed in every area and given possibility of him never talking etc) He got plenty intervention programs, his mom is awesome and dedicated to him and they put him in gluten dairy free diet. He is now seemingly 'normal' 4 y old. He talks and interacts with people like kids without autism do, hes little bit on the shy side but he has friends and he has really made incredible progress. I dont know exactly what they eat ( or he eats) but basically its all wheat that is ruled out, whole wheat, bleached wheat anything like that, incredient lists never say gluten, they list wheats. it may say gluten free on the label which means that well, its gluten ( wheat) free. There are some special flours, cakes, foods that are gluten free and yes they are little bit more expensive ( and lot less tasty) but you do what you have to do. It makes no sense to just cut some off.. do it all or not at all. There are cereals and crackers etc that are gluten free, fruits and veggies, potatoes, rice, egg noodles meat..etc.. sure its more difficult but if you wanna give it a try, do. I have heard that in many cases it does improve the behavior of the child.
2016-05-19 00:08:22 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your child is not reacting to gluten, there is no need. For starters, it is an incredibly hard diet to follow (at least at first, until you get to know all the code words on the labeling and such). Secondly, not every child is going to have a positive reaction to going gluten-free (I'm not saying it will be a negative reaction, more like no reaction at all). Sure, there are some children with autism that do respond well to that diet, but there are many other additives, such as dyes, in food that could also be problematic for your child. Or not. Not all children with autism have sensitivies. If you are concerned, contact an allergist. They can test your child to see if she has any allergies/sensitivities. Just because it worked for Jenny McCarthy's son, doesn't mean it will work for everyone.
2007-09-19 20:37:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I would only put him on this diet if your whole family is going to be on it. I was recently diagnosed with Celiacs and have to be on a gulten free diet, and it is one of the hardest things to deal with. You cant just stop and grab a quick bit to eat and it is hard going to dinner at others houses, and a lot of the gluten free foods are gross tasting.
2007-09-20 12:38:02 · answer #4 · answered by abucfan24 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Am not sure why you want to do this.
There is nothing wrong with gluten unless you happen to be a Coeliac sufferer. Many healthy foods contain gluten as do foods which children need to eat in order to develop body and bones.
There is also a danger that if your child is deprived of gluten for a few years then eats it by accident they could become quite ill, even if just over night.
If you think your child might have a gluten problem then by all means see your doctor.
Otherwise, don't worry about it.
2007-09-19 21:40:30 · answer #5 · answered by The Wise One 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Autistic children are not just like anyone else physically and the diet is not only for celiac disease. I know many children with autism (as we prefer to say) who have had great benefits from this diet. Consult with a dr. and as always use your gut. I would put the little one on it. First of all if he is one, it is hard to know what signs he has. (as you know it is a spectrum disorder) I hope that it is wonderful for you. One little boy with autism I know has had autism removed from his IEP because his symptoms are so low now due to the diet. It is a lot of work , but you can do it Mom!!!!
I am proud of you!
2007-09-19 17:41:41 · answer #6 · answered by Andrea S 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Many of the children I work with are on that diet and parents report positive changes in their child's behaviors and attention span, which has helped them in the ABA therapy that they receive. If I have a child with autism I will do the diet for sure.
2007-09-20 04:35:48 · answer #7 · answered by Melissa 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I know a few autistic children and none of them are on a special diet. I agree with the first answerer.
I would google this a bit more if no one here is giving you the answers you require. Even better speak to a professional, or a naturopath.
2007-09-19 17:35:09 · answer #8 · answered by Kylie 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
autistic children are just like anyone else physically. Why do you need to put them on a special diet?
A gluten free diet only applies to people suspected of celiac disease. Does he have this? Casein is only removed if he is allergic to it.
Otherwise there is no special diet and you will only make him a fussy eater when he is older.
2007-09-19 17:06:53 · answer #9 · answered by Isamyn 4 · 4⤊ 4⤋
Did you ever tested out Paleo Recipe Book program? Try in this website : http://Guide.PaleoFoodGuides.com . It may probably support anybody!
2014-08-06 00:12:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋