The Autism Diet is used to control the behaviors of children with autism. It consists of a diet free of wheat, milk and other dairy products and is termed the gluten-free or casein-free diet (GFCF Diet). The autism diet is based on the opiate theory. Children with autism cannot properly digest gluten and casein. The undigested wheat and dairy products turn into opioid proteins which causes the unwanted behavioral changes. Therefore, eliminating gluten and casein in the diet will result in positive behavioral changes in subjects.
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are about to embark on the Autism Diet, please consult your doctor.
Autism Diet Detractors
- Global Life Health: Science disputes autism's diet link
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
A laboratory examination called urinary peptide test is used to determine presence of undigested gluten and casein
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Dr. Kalle Reichelt first associated autism with the gluten-free/casein-free diet in 1991
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Soy or soya is not used as a substitute because it has similar properties as dairy products
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Thin bones are unwanted results of the GFCF Diet
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Dietary supervision may be required to maintain nutritional balance
