An unidentified poster asked an expert from the Mayo Clinic whether there special diets, specifically Gluten Casein free diets can help children with autism. The Mayo Clinic per pediatrician Jay Hoecker, M.D., state clearly that there is NO EVIDENCE to support the effeciveness of gluten casein free diets. This one was popular when my son was diagnosed 9 years ago and we tried it for awhile and saw no benefit. Dr. Hoecker also emphasizes the potential harm from nutritional deficiencies that might arise from such a diet.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/autism-treatment/AN01519
There's no evidence that special diets, such as restricting certain foods, are an effective treatment for autism.
Autism is a complex brain disorder that has no known cure. For this reason, many frustrated parents turn to unproven alternative treatments in an attempt to help their children. The most popular of these alternative treatments are diets that eliminate gluten or casein, or both.
Proponents of restrictive diets believe that casein, a protein found in dairy products, and gluten, a protein found in many grains, affect brain development and behavior, causing autism in some children. However, there's no scientific evidence that this is true or that restricting these foods improves autism. Furthermore, restrictive diets can result in nutritional deficiencies in growing children.
Parents should talk to their child's doctor before starting any alternative autism treatment. Although no cure for autism exists, early behavioral and educational interventions can help children with autism improve their communication and social skills.
Hi, I am a Speech Pathologist and a mom (Speechmom.blogspot.com). I have heard it all. I have also seen results with this diet. Not so much when the child is older. But, I have seen younger children who were started weeks after the "sensory" behaviors began cease these behaviors after a few days on the diet. I cant explain it. But, I did observe it. The head banging stopped, the hand flapping stopped. Maybe if the diet is started early enough it can work. All of the children I have known to be on these diets were put on them after work ups showing sensitivity or allergy. All of these children were also under the care of a nutritionist as well. It is important that the child get what they need to grow.
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