foodconsumer.org: Gluten and Casein-Free Diet May Help Those with Autism

Gluten and Casein-Free Diet May Help Those with Autism
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admin on 02/12/2010 12:18:00
 
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