Gluten free/casein free (GFCF) diet has been developed for individuals who have allergies or a toxic response to gluten (found in wheat, oats, rye and barley among others) and casein (found in dairy products). Some indications of allergy or a toxic response to gluten and casein are diarrhea, constipation, hyperactivity, red face or ears, breaking wind frequently, pale skin. (However, it is important to note that these symptoms can be an indication of other problems.) Basically, peptides that are derived from an incomplete breakdown of certain types of food are affecting neurotransmission within the central nervous system.

This type of treatment, though constraining in terms of diet, is not harmful and it may be worth removing your child from gluten and casein to see if it has an effect on his behavior. However, there are urine and blood tests which can give information as to the level of peptides your child has, which would be a helpful indicator of before and after trials to see if the diet is helping.

For more information, visit: GFCF diet website: www.gfcfdiet.com

Celiac disease and gluten-free diet on-line resource centre: www.celiac.com

Autism Network for Dietary Intervention (ANDI): www.autismndi.com