AUTISM AND A GLUTEN-FREE DIET

I have a good friend who recently worked with many children who have Autism. She would often discuss with me how almost all the students were on gluten-free and casein-free diets. She explained that most of the parents found that their children responded to gluten the same as if they were on a drug. This has greatly intrigued me and I have been doing some research on it for awhile, especially after the much publicized effects actress Jenny McCarthy said she found with her son and his Autism. There are a great deal of mixed emotions about Autism and how to best handle it. It is a very sensitive topic and I cannot say that I am even remotely an expert on it, or that my research for even my own personal opinion is anywhere near conclusive. The fact is the scientific research on a gluten-free diet in relation to Autism has only recently been embarked upon, so there is not strong enough of a foundation to say something is guaranteed to or to not work, let alone the fact that every case is unique and individual. However, the following link is an article I came across that I think does an excellent job in breaking down the theory behind those with Autism following a gluten-free diet. The "Healing Thresholds" site clearly illustrates the potential costs, effects, and likely questions, as well as including all the references from which their conclusions are based. Here is the link:

http://autism.healingthresholds.com/therapy/gluten-free-diet

If you have a loved one with Autism, I suggest at least checking out this site and seeing what you think of the recent theory that following a gluten-free and casein-free diet will help alleviate the effects of Autism. There is still a great deal of research that needs done about this sensitive topic, but I believe it is important to be informed along the way.