In a study appearing online in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, it was found that there wasn’t any significant improvement when children with autism were placed on a gluten free diet. The research was led by Susan Hyman, co-leader of the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network site at the University of Rochester Medical Center. The study was supported by research grants from the National Institutes of Health and the University of Rochester.
As we have been telling our South Florida families for some time, this suggests no relation between gluten and behavior, autism symptoms, sleep patterns or bowel habits. But this study was a small one so there is no telling if the conclusion is true. As always, larger studies need to be taken to determine better results.
We have heard over and over that a gluten or casein diet worsens the symptoms of autism. The theory is that it causes an inflammation in the gut that eventually spreads to the brain.
There are so many theories, hunches and unsubstantiated ideas in autism, and rising information and awareness is eliminating them one by one. That’s why more than ever people in large numbers are preferring more science based treatments like ABA therapy, the only science based treatment documented to have positive results. Our ABA therapy in Miami has become a popular go-to treatment for people who are suffering from autism or who are looking for definite autism treatment for their loved ones.
Research Proved No Relation between Gluten Diet and Autism
In the study that was conducted for testing gluten free diet, researchers placed 14 children with autism, from age of 3-5 under observance. They placed them on a gluten free diet for 4-6 week, and then for the next 6 weeks they sent either with gluten or gluten free and casein free snacks and meals to the kids. Neither the parents nor the kids knew whether they were having gluten free or gluten meals.
Meanwhile, researchers asked the kid’s parents to record bowel movements, and sleep patterns of the kid. When the researchers saw the data, and analyzed the gluten and gluten free options for kids, they were surprised. There wasn’t any improvement or worsening of behavior due to gluten diet.
And they reached a decision that an autistic child going on a gluten free diet did not cause any deficiency of nutrients.
