Autism and Gluten-Free Diets

Gluten-free diets are very popular in the nutritional sensitive public recently, especially for anyone looking for alternative healthy eating. Popular diets for Autism is free of Gluten and Casein. There are two sides to the Autism gluten free diet controversy. Some say studies prove gluten-free diets help while other critics say the studies do not show enough evidence since the studies involve small groups.

Do Gluten Free Diets Make a Difference?

The Autism and Gluten Free Controversy

Pros:

• Many people who are sensitive to Gluten find eliminating it from the diet improves sleep, energy, and concentration, not mentioning the gut sensitivity.
• Reduces the need for some Psychotropic drugs in some Autistic children.
• Autistic children often are texture, color, and size sensitive with food choices and once a diet free of gluten is established it is easier to routinely make healthy food choices.
• Due to the higher incidents of antibiotic use and other regular drugs, it is thought Autistic people are benefiting from a gut-friendly diet like a diet free of gluten.

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Cons:

• Children with autism usually are very picky about shape, size, texture, and color of food and gluten free diet choices usually lack color and are limited in texture.
• Studies thought to prove the improvement in autism symptoms are small and need further research.
• A diet without gluten is not a cure for autism, but rather another tool in reducing some symptoms.

Should you consider a gluten free diet for your autistic child?

Parenting any child is no easy feat and is even more challenging when your child is autistic. As most parents, especially parents of autistic children, find themselves doing, they must come up with solutions to daily life by talking to your doctor, consulting specialists, communication with caregivers and teachers, and trial and error. Since there is does not seem to present a detrimental reason why not to try a diet without gluten, you may find that it benefits your child in positive ways.

There is a known brain and gut connection in relation to autism which stands to reason why a diet free of gluten, may benefit anyone with autism. Consult with your doctor and document all positive and negative effects of a gluten free diet and you will find what helps and what does not.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material provided on this Site is provided for information purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition, before undertaking any diet, exercise, other health program, or other procedure set out on this Site.