The gluten free casein free diet can help children with autism, ADHD, SPD as well as those with asthma, allergies, autoimmune disorders and mood disorders improve their symptoms.

Originally, Lisa Lewis dug into diet literature looking for a way to help her son. She located the research of Paul Shattock and Karl Reichelt, who link gluten and casein with autism spectrum disorders. In 1998, she wrote “Special Diets for Special Kids”, sharing her findings with other families.

Later she co-founded the Autism Network for Dietary Intervention (ANDI) with Karen Seroussi, who popularized “the diet” further in her book, Unraveling the Mystery of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder: A Mother’s Story of Research & Recovery.

These two courageous women have changed the lives of many families; others have joined their bandwagon. More and more companies now produce time-saving, quality, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free and yeast-free products.

Why Cut Out Gluten and Casein?

Gluten and casein are peptides that can contribute to symptoms such as:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Breathing difficulties
• Asthma
• Chronic sinus infections
• Chronic colds
• Lack of focus
• Dark circles under the eyes

Gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye and non-gluten-free oats, while casein is found in milk products, such as yogurt, ice cream and cheese, from any animal. In addition, gluten and casein, as well as most processed foods and some natural foods, have high amounts of free glutamate, which can lead to neurodevelopmental symptoms such as a lack of focus and of concentration. Whatever the diet, here are some ways to assure best results with the least amount of distress:

Switch to Additive-Free, Real Foods

Eliminate junk. Beware of seemingly “healthy” food in packages (boxes, bags, etc.) because they often contain preservatives, artificial colors, artificial flavors, natural flavors and flavor enhancers that can damage your child’s health. Learn more about eating a clean diet here.

Eat Whole Foods

Whole foods are unprocessed foods. Whole wheat bread, for example, is a processed food because the wheat berry is no longer whole; it has been ground into flour. Whole foods are lower glycemic-index foods that can help prevent blood sugar ups and downs.

Eat a Varied Diet

Menus that reflect the seasons provide natural variety. Rotate seed and nut butters for extra calcium. Vary cooking methods according to season, using long-cooked foods in the winter and raw or steamed foods in the summer. Eat good fats such as olive and flaxseed oils. Eliminate hydrogenated fats such as margarine and get rid of vegetable oils because they are inflammatory.

Eat Better, Exercise More

Many of today’s children are unhealthy because they are eating empty calories, playing video games instead of hopscotch, and riding school buses instead of their bikes.

Put the Whole Family on “The Diet”

Everyone’s health will improve. Children with autism frequently have siblings with similar issues to a lesser degree, such as ADHD, learning disabilities and perceptual issues, who can benefit from a clean diet. Adults with arthritis, autoimmune disorders, mental and physical fatigue, asthma and allergies may also find that their symptoms improve by cleaning up their diet.

Find Out Individual Needs Through Elimination or Laboratory Testing

Some call food sensitivities “allergies,” while others say a true allergy requires a reaction such as hives. Nutritionist Kelly Dorfman believes that the best and least expensive test for food reactions is an elimination of potentially problematic foods followed by a challenge, known as an elimination diet.

If that process overwhelms you, and if your pocketbook can withstand the cost, have your physician order laboratory tests. A wide variety of reliable tests, including organic acid tests for yeast problems and urinary peptide testing for gluten and casein sensitivities, are available from labs such as Great Plains Laboratory.

Learn to Cook Again

Share the kitchen with your children, who are more apt to experiment with new foods if they are involved in making them. Cooking is also a great way to gain fine motor control and to learn some math, physics and chemistry.

Use New Natural Sources of Vitamins and Minerals

Try sea vegetables. Ever eat sushi? That black wrapper is nori, a seaweed rich in minerals. You can buy it in sheets or flakes. It is salty and adds flavor to popcorn, soups and any foods. Dulse, another seaweed, is the world’s highest source of iron.

Sea salt, Himalayan salt and other naturally colored salts contain valuable and necessary trace minerals that their refined, white cousins do not. Beware of any sea salt that is white in color, as its trace minerals have been stripped.

Be Open and Flexible

If a child ingests a little gluten or a muffin made with milk, don’t panic. Most children will not go into anaphylaxis. The constant assault of problematic foods causes illness, not a single serving. That said, though, you will get the best results if you strive for 100% compliance with this diet.

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