Autism - Signs, Symptoms, Treatments, Resources, Support for Autism

Question: What Do Doctors Say About Autism Diets?   What do doctors say about autism diets? Can they really make a difference?   Answer: While some practitioners (Defeat Autism Now doctors in particular) recommend special autism diets for their patients, most mainstream practitioners do not. This is most likely because many of the theories behind these diets (most of which eliminate wheat and dairy) appear to be incorrect - and others are not fully researched. The bottom line, however, is that Gluten Free Cassein Free (GFCF) diets can make a difference for some children with autism. This is probably not because they heal or cure underlying symptoms of autism, but because they treat gastrointestinal problems which are surprisingly common among children with autism (about 12% to 19% of children with autism have chronic diarrhea, constipation, reflux and other issues). Dr. Cynthia Molloy is a researcher at the Children's Hospital Medical Center in Cincinn...

Can gluten or casein (wheat or dairy) actually cause autism? Books and websites galore recommend that people with autism eliminate wheat and dairy from their diets. Some therapists, parents, doctors and writers swear they know a child who, as a result of this diet, has completely "recovered" from autism, and the child no longer qualifies for an autism spectrum label. Mainstream doctors and researchers, however, tend to be skeptical about claims of "cures" as a result of dietary change. Could wheat and dairy actually be the culprits for at least some cases of autism? Do Gluten and Cassein Cause Autism? The Opiate Theory A popular theory follows this logic: Wheat gluten and cassein contain proteins which break down into molecules that resemble opium-like drugs. Children with autism have compromised digestive systems, including "leaky guts." Leaky gut syndrome is a somewhat controversial diagnosis; in essence, it means that a person's i...