Dietary Intervention for Autism
Gluten-Free Casein-Free, Feingold and Specific Carbohydrate Diets
Some individuals with autism have found that following an alternative diet can be beneficial. The GF/CF, Feingold and Specific Carbohydrate Diets are detailed.
The use of dietary intervention for individuals with an autism spectrum disorder is becoming more common. Some autism professionals consider these dietary changes a form of biomedical intervention and others just consider it a necessity to increase the individual’s quality of life. Often times gut issues can result in negative behaviors and affect a person’s sleep. The use of one of these diets can greatly benefit individuals with autism.
Gluten-Free/Casein-Free
Also called GFCF, the gluten-free and casein-free diet is used by individuals with celiac disease, parents of children with food sensitivities as well as people on the autism spectrum. Gluten-free means wheat-free and casein-free is dairy-free. After actress Jenny McCarthy’s book Louder Than Words was published, many families were introduced to the GFCF diet.
The rise in popularity of the diet is beneficial as there is now more support available for families looking at starting this diet. Gluten or casein is found in so many commercial foods that eliminating them, without outside help, can be difficult. However, many families have reported that gastrointestinal and behavior problems common among individuals on the autism spectrum have been resolved after following a GFCF diet faithfully.
Feingold Diet
The Feingold Diet was created in the 1970s and is commonly called the ADHD Diet. In recent years, however, much success has been found by using this eating plan with children on the autism spectrum. Self-injurious actions and behavioral outbursts can be curbed by following the Feingold Diet. There are many scientific studies that have been conducted which support the efficacy claims of the Feingold Diet. For more detailed information, read The Feingold Diet – Help for ADHD.
Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) is not as commonly used as the GFCF and Feingold Diets as it is much more restrictive and thus more difficult to implement. The SCD is most commonly used to alleviate symptoms from Crohn’s Disease, Celiac Disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
Individuals with an autism spectrum disorder have found that the SCD helps to balance out the flora of the intestinal tract. By healing the gut, many children experience a noticeable decrease in negative behaviors as well as relief from gastrointestinal issues. In the SCD, all grains, lactose and sucrose are removed from one’s diet.
The three above-mentioned diets are the most popular dietary interventions used with autism spectrum disorders. As with anything health-related, please consult your child’s doctor before starting one of these eating plans.
