The Gluten-free Casein-free Diet: Does It Really Work?
A gluten-free, casein-free diet is definitely recommended for children with Aspergers and High Functioning Autism. Here’s why:
The molecular structure of partially undigested proteins, called peptides, resembles opiates. These peptides have an effect much like opiates (i.e., morphine, heroin) in the brain and nervous system. Long-term exposure to these opiate peptides can have many damaging effects on the developing brain and also affects behavior, just as any narcotic would. The opioid peptides involved are identified as casomorphines from casein, and gluten exorphines and gliadorphin from gluten.
Children with Aspergers and High Functioning Autism usually have gastrointestinal problems (e.g., reflux, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, hiccups, etc.). Proteins found in wheat, rye, oats, barley and dairy products (gluten and casein) aren't completely broken down in the Aspergers child’s digestion process. These undigested proteins can leak into the bloodstream, potentially interfering with neurological processes by having an opiate-like effect upon their systems. These undigested proteins (peptides) can reach toxic levels, with the youngster seeming to "crave" milk and wheat products.
The results produced by the diet vary – but you can expect to see some result. Parents report a variety of outcomes such as:
- improved fine motor skills
- improved focus and attention span
- improved intestinal function
- improved personal hygiene habits
- improved sleep patterns
- improved social skills
- improved speech and communication
- increase in affection shown
- reduction of tantrums and irritability
With results like this, why would you NOT want to try it! A gluten-free, casein-free diet is definitely worth considering. You don't have to feel overwhelmed by the restrictive nature of the diet. Simply start slowly and eliminate one group (either gluten or casein) at a time. Once you're comfortable without wheat or dairy products, then you can tackle the next element. If you see a desirable result from eliminating one component, you may decide not to go any further. Simply substituting gluten-free flour in all recipes can be a highly effective action.
Many parents worry about removing wheat and dairy because these foods are the only ones their child will eat, and because prevailing attitudes in Western culture consider them an essential staple. However, Aspergers children who eat mostly wheat and dairy products may show remarkable improvement once a gluten-free, casein-free diet is implemented. Many families have found from experience that their children's menu options actually increase after the effects of eating gluten and casein have subsided.
A gluten-free, casein free diet usually has a detoxifying effect – not only on Aspergers children – but on the entire family. The benefits will be obvious. Some Aspergers children experience immediate improvement (although it may take as long as six months for gluten to clear out of the system - and one month for casein to clear). Advocates of the diet recommend trying it for at least a year, because it can take this long for some children to show improvement. The diet tends to make changes in the body at a cellular level and promote healing of the stomach and intestinal lining, both of which can take time.
The Aspergers Comprehensive Handbook
Comments
~Sheri
An alternative medicine clinic does food sensitivity testing (can't remember the name of the test) and it has been extremely effective for a friend of mine. Her daughter is not allergic or sensitive to dairy, but she is sensitive to wheat - not gluten. She can have glutenous rice, but nothing with wheat in it. She also is sensitive to chocolate, pork, basil, garlic, etc. The dramatic change in her behavior once these foods were eliminated from her diet was unmistakable.
So, I think the huge advocates for the gluten/casein free diet just have kids that are sensitive to those foods. I really don't agree that all aspie's are. I do agree that finding what your child is sensitive to and eliminating it will make a huge difference for them - we just can't classify the offending foods in a nice "cookie cutter".
A key to our success with the diet was the introduction of GFDF special snacks 'only' for my son. eg. sorbet instead of ice cream. So, it wasn't all negative and 'you can't have this'.
A lot of kids can have butter (no milk, cream, cheese, yoghurt), this made it a bit easier for us.
A word of warning, if you break the GFDF diet (even a little bit), there can be some real behavioural issues to deal with for quite a few days.
Commit to it and give it a go...I think you'll be amazed at the difference.
We have not had him tested yet for food allergies but plan to do so. Right now, we are dye/preservative free for the most part.
Emily
We found that our son had to be 100% Gluten and Casein Free to notice any improvement. But that was just our experience.
Haven't posted for a while, the way it was described to me was our children cannot break down the proteins and they form a type of "opiate like" substance, which gives them a bit of a hit, which is why they keep wanting the same things like cheese, pasta, yoghurts etc. I tried my son on the glutine casien free, he changed, he was much more interactive, talked to people without being constantly prompted and talked about what they asked rather than just banging on about what he was focused on. The only problem was we replaced the milk with soya milk and his eczema kicked off big style, once I get him skin under control I will try again. Its worth a shot, just make sure you replace the calcium as apparently autistic kids have less dence bones than nt kids.
Lorraine
My daughter is a picky eater and has her routine of foods that she eats, like oatmeal, waffles, pb and j sandwiches, pizza, mac n cheese.
Would love your input.
2. My son eats specific foods. Of course many parents with Aspies will identify. He loves certain foods and will not deviate from them because he has texture issues. Please give me ideas on how I can do this completely. I want to help him!!!!!!
LOs diet is still pretty predictable, he 's not very anxious about trying new foods but by replacing foods he knew with same looking gfcf foods it went very smoothly.
We've started about 2 weeks ago and he seems to have made some progress.
We have an aspergers son (10) and I feel the pain of everyone who asked about HOW to CHANGE diet, when the smallest change equals a HUGE amount of misery. We have tried every possible technique. The secret is gradual, yes, but it is also that the child's body gradually feels better and this is your best ally. You have to be tough and creative and flexible and determined and be ok with feeling a little bit crazy all the time. For years. Ha ha. But I am posting this (6 mos. after this thread was updated last!) to say, don't give up! Be dedicated to the optimum health of your child and don't settle for a diet that truly harms your children's health. It is WORTH it. The average diet of our culture is horrible for all of us, not just our special needs children.