GF/CF diet | Autism PDD

I've seen a lot of post re: GF/CF diets. Is it good for all children on the spectrum to try this diet even though they may not have diarhhea(sp?) or clear & "visible" allergies?

Thanks!

Actually, Celiac disease is not an allergy to gluten. That's where a lot of confusion can come in. Celiac disease is a genetically-linked autoimmune disease in which gluten triggers the destruction of the villi of the small intestine. Gluten does not destroy the villi directly, rather, it triggers an immune response, causing the immune system to attack the small intestine. Other autoimmune diseases include Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Multiple Sclerosis. This is the class of disease to which Celiac belongs. It's far more serious than a gluten sensitivity or intolerance and can lead to osteoporosis, malnutrition, epilepsy, intestinal lymphoma, and even death.

It's also possible to have a gluten or wheat sensitivity, which is basically a delayed reaction of the immune system where immune forces treat gluten as an invader. Gluten allergy causes severe, immediate reactions similar to a sensitivity, only much more dangerous and intense.

A gluten-free diet would be good for everyone in theory, because our bodies were not made to break down the sticky, dense protein. Even in those without Celiac or outright wheat allergy, it can cause IBS, Crohn's, and Diverticulosis. It's worth a shot! Just make sure to withdraw gluten/casein slowly, as a rapid withdrawal can cause violent physical and mental symptoms.

Can't hurt to try. Do the casein first, since that is easier. It is also very easy to see the changes when you take out milk. Within a few days, some parents report totally different children.Just to clarify

The "GF/CF" diet is not specifically for allergies. It is to remove from the diet gluten and casein which may not be properly digested by someone with autism. The theory is that the partially digested proteins form opioids which can increase some autistic synptoms.

Allergy to gluten is coeliacs disease, and may be tested for but it is an entirely different issue even though the treatment is essentially the same - remove gluten from the diet.

Some of our children do have gut issues including coeliacs but it is important to differentiate between the two.

A good book to get you started
and written by an aspie with an autie brother
A user guide to the gf/cf diet...
by Luke Jackson
Amazon link

forker

Thanks so much for your replies. I think I will give it a go to remove casein from DS's diet, since that seems to be a bit easier to start with. What are some ingredients I should be on the look out for?

Also, is there more of a difference noticed when gluten is removed? Can I ask my regular pediatrician to run some tests to see if casein and gluten are not properly digested?