Autistic Spectrum and Dietary Intervention

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From the Celiac Perspective

  • The following is taken from the "Celiac Sprue" handout flyer from CSA/USA: "...; personality changes (especially common in children with sprue; they become unable to concentrate, are irritable, cranky, and have difficulties with mental alertness and memory function); can also occur in adults; ..."
  • The following is from the February 1995 Sprue-nik Press newsletter. It included Misc. Highlights from the 1994 American Celiac Society Conference.

    "Question (to Alessio Fasano, Pediatric Gastroenterologist, University of Maryland): Is there an association between celiac disease and attention deficit or hyperactivity in children? Yes, but only for untreated celiacs. Once the child goes on a gluten-free diet, these problems tend to disappear. A related question: Is there a link between behavioral problems and celiac disease in children? Once again, the answer is yes, but only for untreated celiacs. It is the malnutrition that leads to the problem."

  • From Gluten Intolerance Group of North America - "Gluten-Sensitive Enteropathy: Up-Date for Health Care Professionals" May, 1992: "Behavioral changes - such as irritability and inability to concentrate, may be reported in undiagnosed children. Adults often relate difficulties in short-term memory and concentration...."
  • From Coeliac Disease, by Dr. Michael Marsh, Blackwell Scientific Publications, November 1992. - Chapter 2 (by Jacques Schmitz) - p.30 - "The effects of the gluten-free diet are most often spectacular, particularly in toddlers. Behavioural disorders are the first to subside..."
  • Marsh's book again - Chapter 3 - on CD in adults, written by Peter Howdle and Monty S. Losowsky. p. 55 - "Psychological changes have also been widely investigated, but are difficult to quantify. Many patients appear to be depressed, while others are irritable, morose or difficult to relate to... Nevertheless, in some case reports, treatment with a gluten-free diet has resulted in spectacular improvements in mental function."
  • From a speech by Ivor D. Hill, MD. Professor of Pediatrics, Duke University entitled "Clinical Presentation of Celiac Disease in Children" given on July 14, 1995:

    Behavioral Disturbance: Emotional symptoms are common in children with celiac disease, although they are not often the initial mode of presentation of this condition. Children with celiac disease have been described as "extremely irritable, fretful, capricious or peevish. Nothing seems to please them and although they are quite unlike themself". They often exhibit features of extreme emotional dependence on their mothers, frequently clinging to them and showing marked irritability and fretfulness when separated. In addition, they are often emotionally withdrawn from their environment, and this withdrawal may even resemble autism. The association between celiac disease and autism is still a matter of considerable debate in some circles.

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Sites by Individuals

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Research

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Organizations

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Commercial Sites

  • SerenAid is a digestive aid in case gluten is accidentally eaten. I wouldn't recommend it. But click on Gluten Free Diets to see their overview of diet and disorders of the autism spectrum.
  • Sue Bennett at Your Autism Coach is selling SerenAid and a booklet to help the parents of young children who have just been diagnosed to help them quickly put together a comprehensive and effective intervention program.
  • Kirkman Laboratories sells scientific nutrition for autism and PDD. They carry products like Super Nu-Thera®, DMG, MSM, and others.
  • The Good News Doctor, a.k.a. Jeff Bradstreet, M.D., has a page discussing biological treatments of autism. See various abstracts.
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Testing

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Books

  • The Autism Network for Dietary Intervention (ANDI) sells several books: Lisa Lewis: Special Diets for special kids.. Karyn Seroussi: Your gluten and dairy free kitchen. William Shaw: The biological basis of autism and PDD.
  • Sue Dengate has written two books: Fed Up - Understanding how food affects your child and what you can do about it, and Different Kids - Growing up with Attention Deficit Disorder. Her site has information about the effects of food on children's behaviour, health and learning ability; and support for families using the low chemical elimination diet: free of additives, low in salicylates, amines and flavour enhancers.
  • Brain Allergies: The Psychonutrient and Magnetic Connections details the science and theory behind Dr. Philpott's approach. Covers the impact our diets can have on the mental/emotional aspect of our lives.
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Mailing Lists/Forums

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