A gluten free diet is a eating plan in which you eliminate gluten (a protein found in some grains)from your diet. Food and drinks that contain wheat, barley, rye, sometimes oats, or anything made with grains that are avoided. A gluten free diet is often used for children with autism. Also follow a dairy free diet.
Many people who believe the gluten free diet say that many children with autism have gastrointestinal problems, it is difficult for them to digest some grains properly. There are different ways for how this can affect children with autism.
One of the most popular and proven theory is that eating gluten causes high levels of protein by products. These products are known to influence behavior much like the way drugs do. Gluteomorphines are peptides that are similar to morphine. The body naturally produces these peptides derived from gluten. It is said that if the gluten is removed from the diet, the idea is that this will reduce the level of gluteomorphines, and behavior will be improved as a result.
Gluteomorphines is said to reduce the autistic child's desire for social interaction. It can add to the confusion and to block pain messages.
What The Experts Say
A gluten free diet autism experts say that works on the process of elimination. Many parents of children on elimination diets report that the behavior has improved considerably. The improvements are particularly pronounced when parents followed the gluten free diet. Many experts believe that autistic children react to wheat. The elimination of gluten as part of their overall treatment, experts say that children feel better and are able to function optimally.
Getting Help
Getting your children to follow a gluten free diet can be difficult. You may want to consider getting a dietitian, nutritionist or nature path to work with you to find the gluten free diet that is right for your child, based on what he/she likes and dislikes.
Also, they will be able to give sound nutritional advice on how to apply the diet properly, without harming your child by leaving out large groups of nutrients.
Kids can be mean sometimes and autistic children may feel embarrassed to be emphasized because they are "different." A gluten free diet plan attracts attention to their condition, and therefore their differences. This is a unique challenge for parents trying to meet the treatment guidelines. Frequent monitoring and follow up, with educational resources and support groups help families maintain a gluten free diet and provide creative ways to address the challenges of a life without gluten.
A gluten free diet autism expert, will tell you that it requires sacrifice and perseverance. With so many children diagnosed with autism, there are many resources and support groups to help you on the road.
See also, ADD, ADHD and Autism Resource and Who Recommends Gluten Free and other Special Diets for Autism?
