Another controversal topic...
The more research I do, the more overwelmed I get by all this. Among all the theories, alternative therapies, and research there is an answer somewhere. Autism is a highly researched area, and I hope someday they find solid answers. I've determined that we have to find the right answer for Aiden and our family. It doesn't matter what others have found to be helpful. I need to find what works for my son, and what will ultimately give him the best quality of life. Right now, I believe he needs more speech and occupational therapy than he is currently getting. I'm working on that. I'm trying to get Aiden in to see a Pediatric Neurologist (instead of waiting for the Waisman Center). With a confirmed diagnosis, it sounds like he can get in-home therapy 20-30 hours a week. Yesterday, I met a mother with a 5 year old son in the same programs as Aiden, plus in-home therapy. At age 4 he was potty trained and communicating!!! I have high hopes that Aiden will be too :)
Sigh...I've done a lot of research in peer reviewed journals, and on the internet about the GFCF (gluten free, casein free) diet. More research is needed on this diet. So far, it remains controversal. I've talked to teachers, occupational therapists, and a dietitian who work with autistic children. They all say the same thing. It works for some children.
The "leaky gut " theory says that some people don't digest proteins appropriately; in turn, intact proteins go into the blood stream, cross the blood-brain barrier, and cause cognitive problems. Many people feel that autistic children have digestive issues, and try to solve them with diet*. Also, eating gluten seems to have an opiate response for some people--just like a drug. This is my field. I understand how the body digests and absorbs nutrients. So my question is, why is it just dairy and grains that cause problems then? Why not meats, which contain more protein than grains, and the same "complete protein" as dairy? Honestly, I hate the diet. As a dietitian, this diet can be very low in calcium, vitamin D, B vitamins, and fiber unless you sub healthy alternatives, which are EXPENSIVE! For our low income family, this diet would exceed our budget. Also, Aiden's diet is already very limited due to sensory issues with foods. My final concern--eating at school, grandma's, and birthday parties would take more planning and effort than I can handle right now. So, for now, I do my best to give Aiden the nutrients I know he needs. I give him 3 food groups at each meal, including a protein each time. I offer healthy snacks and limit sweets and processed foods the best I can. I don't want to cause disordered eating behavior by restricting him too much (both my mother and I had eating disorders). Who knows what I will try in the future. One thing I do know. A GFCF diet will not "cure" my son.
*I will note here that Aiden never has digestive issues--diarrhea or constipation. His skin is perfectly clear, and he is very rarely ill. I have no concerns in that regard.
*I will note here that Aiden never has digestive issues--diarrhea or constipation. His skin is perfectly clear, and he is very rarely ill. I have no concerns in that regard.
Ah yes! The diets that will cure your child. Music therapy. Etc, etc. Stick with your own instincts. In my opinion, if your child has a disorder related to diet, it will become apparent with digestive problems. If he has a disorder with speech...just give him speech. Communication, verbal or nonverbal, is the key. Let him communicate before he speaks. I didn't think my son could communicate at all. I would call his name and he wouldn't even look in my direction. Then one day, I was training the dog and giving hand signals. Guess who was responding? Funny, yes, but also shows you that he needed to communicate in SOME way! Use language with him constantly. Label things. Talk constantly.
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