Individuals on the autism spectrum may have trouble digesting proteins such as gluten. Research in the U.S. and England has found elevated levels of certain peptides in the urine of children with ASD, suggesting the incomplete breakdown of peptides from foods that contain gluten and casein. Gluten is found in wheat, oats and rye, and casein in dairy products. The incomplete breakdown and the excessive absorption of peptides may cause disruption in biochemical and neuroregulatory processes in the brain, affecting brain functions. Until there is more information as to why these proteins are not broken down, the removal of the proteins from the diet is the only way to prevent further neurological and gastrointestinal damage.

It is important not to withdraw gluten/casein food products at once from a child’s diet, as there can be withdrawal symptoms. Parents wishing to pursue a gluten/casein free diet should consult a gastroenterologist or nutritionist, who can help ensure proper nutrition. For information about implementing a gluten/casein free diet, go to http://www.gfcfdiet.com/ additional information about gluten-free foods can be found at http://www.celiacsociety.org/. The Autism Society of America’s magazine, Autism Advocate, also has a regular feature of recipes for those with special dietary needs.

Some hypothesize that children with ASD have what is referred to as a “leaky gut” — tiny holes in their intestinal tract that may be caused by an overgrowth of yeast. Some believe that this overgrowth may contribute to behavioral and medical problems in individuals on the spectrum, such as confusion, hyperactivity, stomach problems, and fatigue. The use of nutritional supplements, anti-fungal drugs and/or a yeast-free diet may reduce the behavioral problems. However, caution should be paid to the fact that just as antibiotics can lead to bacterial resistance, antifungals can lead to fungal resistance.

Over more then a decade, claims have been made that vitamin and mineral supplements may improve the symptoms of autism, in a natural way. While not all researchers agree about whether these therapies are scientifically proven, many parent, and an increasing number of physicians, report improvement in people with ASD when using individual or combined nutritional supplements.

Malabsorption problems and nutritional deficiencies have been addressed in several, as-of-yet, unreplicated studies. A few studies suggest that intestinal disorders and chronic gastrointestinal inflammation may reduce the absorption of essential nutrients and cause disruptions in immune and general metabolic functions that are dependent upon these essential vitamins. Other studies have shown that some children on the autism spectrum may have low levels of vitamins A, B1, B3, B5, as well as biotin, selenium, zinc, and magnesium, while others may have an elevated serum copper to plasma zinc ratio, suggesting that people on the autism spectrum may benefit by avoiding copper and taking extra zinc to boost their immune system. Other studies have indicated a need for more calcium.There are several laboratories that test for nutritional deficiencies but many insurance companies will not pay for these tests.

Perhaps the most common vitamin supplement used for individuals with ASD is vitamin B, which plays an important role in creating enzymes needed by the brain. In 18 studies or more on the use of vitamin B and magnesium (which is needed to make vitamin B effective), almost half of the individuals with autism showed improvement. The benefits include decreased behavioral problems, improved eye contact, better attention, and improvements in learning. Other research studies have shown that other supplements may help symptoms as well. Cod liver oil supplements (rich in vitamins A and D) have resulted in improved eye contact and behavior of children with autism. Vitamin C helps in brain function and deficiency symptoms like depression and confusion. Increasing vitamin C has been shown in a clinical trial to improve symptom severity in children with ASD.

If you are considering the addition of vitamins or minerals to your child’s diet, a laboratory and clinical assessment of nutritional status is highly recommended. The most accurate method for measuring vitamin and mineral levels is through a blood test. It is also important to work with someone knowledgeable in nutritional therapy. While large doses of some vitamins and minerals may not be harmful, others can be toxic. Once supplements are chosen, they should be phased in slowly (over several weeks) and then the effects should be observed for one to two months.

I know we all saw Jenny McCarthy today praising the benefits of this diet. Is it a serious step and not something to be taken lightly. Remember, she stated that she had her son tested left, right, and sideways before she began. Although she kind of glossed over that part quickly.

There is no scientific evidence that this diet does anything at all. The gluten free diet was developed for people with a serious digestion disorder. It was not developed for children with autism or other developmental disorders.

Cutting out a huge part of a child’s diet is serious. You said he has trouble with milk. Why cut out gluten? Please consider this carefully. It is a huge committment and there is no guarantee that it will work. Also, what nobody tells you is that if there are no results within a month your child should be taken off the diet.

Good Luck