Can a Gluten-Free Diet Help Autism?
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remains a mystery to both parents and medical professionals alike. There is no one particular cause, yet the rate of diagnosis remain at a record high. Currently, there is no cure. Given these facts, many families are increasingly turning towards lifestyle modifications as a means to improve ASD symptoms. The gluten-free diet is the most popular dietary modification because many autistic children experience improved symptoms—especially behavioral problems. Before switching your child’s entire diet, learn the facts about a gluten-free diet and consider the possibility of working with a dietitian.
What Does “Gluten-Free” Mean?
Gluten is a protein that is naturally present in:
-
wheat
-
barley
-
semolina
-
brewer’s yeast
-
rye
This means that gluten could very well be present in some of your child’s everyday foods. This includes:
-
bread
-
cereal
-
crackers
-
pasta
Sandra Watts says
My son is autistic and has tourettes as well. This is something I will have to look into.
Amber Ludwig says
This is very interesting!! I use to work in a psychiatric facility and we did have a few autistic children with med changes and stabilization requests. Its so hard because they are all so different!! I feel like everything is trial and error!! For every child that one thing works it doesn’t work for the other. I think parents should do and try whatever they can and whatever works to stick with it 🙂
April says
I absolutely agree with this! Thanks for this great information.
brooklynandriahsmom says
I absolutely believe gluten free is a better way for my autistic daughter. We also took out sugar, carbohydrates and dyes. She has done so much better.
Colleen says
So happy your daughter is doing better with those diet changes!
Lisa Coomer Queen says
This was very helpful for me. My grandson has autism. I am trying to learn as much as I can. Much appreciated!
johnthuku0 says
Thank you for sharing this. It is really helpful.
T Gyorgy says
As far as I know, it’s not the gluten-free but the carbohydrate free diet that helps.
Sue Harding says
I am going to totally share this link with my friends who have autistic children.