Gluten and Casein-Free Diet May Help Those with Autism

A case study suggests that using a diet free of gluten and milk protein casein drastically improved the behaviours of autistic children. 

The report by Hsu CL and colleagues from Chang Gung University College of Medicine in Taoyuan,Taiwan tells us a story about a boy who was diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome. 

Since the boy was 5 months old, he was given various therapies which didn't result in any significant improvement.  His problems also manifested themselves physically:  researchers observed  gastrointestinal problems like post-prandial vomiting and severe constipation were observed. 

Starting at the age of 42 months, the boy was put on a diet high in soybean milk and rice, but free of gluten, which is found high in wheat, and casein, which is found high in milk and other dairy products. 

The doctors observed after 2.5 months, the boy improved his interpersonal behaviours, such as

eye-to-eye contact and verbal communication.  After 5.5 months, he was able to play and share toys with his sibling and other .  At this time, the frequency of postprandial vomiting decreased and he gained body weight and height. 

After 11 months, his vitality increased substantially.  

Despite their findings, the researchers acknowledged that there was no consensus on the benefits of dietary intervention, but suggested the diet as an adjuvant therapy, which is simple, safe and economical for the Chinese in Taiwan. 

Source: 

Chang Gung Med J. 2009 Jul-Aug;32(4):459-65.

The effects of a gluten and casein-free diet in children with autism: a case report.

Hsu CL, Lin CY, Chen CL, Wang CM, Wong MK.

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan.

By David Liu and editing by Rachel Stockton