Understanding the Gluten Free Diet, Celiac Disease, and Autism…

I recently received an email from a parent who had visited my son’s Autism website Autism A to Z and Me  and they were looking for some help in finding information about gluten free diet as their child had recently been diagnosed with Celiac Disease and possibly Autism.   I remember when I first received my son’s diagnosis of Autism; it can be very devastating to a family.  I hope I can in providing this information, relieve the feelings of isolation and helplessness many parents have when facing the challenges of raising a child with Autism or any other devastating illness.   You are not alone.

Celiac Disease is usually the diagnosis that is given when a person has intolerance to Gluten.   In my experience working with Autistic children, including my son Raymond, the problems related to digestive intolerances are generalized and in many instances are associated with problems related to unsatisfactory digestive function in and of itself.  Whenever there is a digestive problem, things like spicy foods or fibrous foods, or foods that have a potent amount of gluten or Lactose can irritate an already problematic digestive dysfunction.    I did research on this in Ray’s early years, (around 4 and 5 years of age), due to Ray’s inability to eat foods without diarrhea or vomiting; this was so severe that he had stopped wanting to eat and began to have “failure to thrive” symptoms.  I discovered that young children with Autism have abnormal amounts of yeast production in their intestinal tracts which builds up, and actually enters the brain through the cerebral cortex because of the toxic build up of these yeast enzymes.   I treated Ray, under a specialized doctor’s care with Nystatin “oral suspension” Therapy.  This therapy did, reduce the build of a particular yeast, which in turn stopped the vomiting and diarrhea considerably. This allowed Ray to tolerate foods with greater ease.  Nystatin also brought about a decrease in tantrum behaviors.  However, it is important to understand that Nystatin recently has been proven to block Coenzyme Q-10 which in needed to support every cell in the human body.  After Raymond’s yeast levels were at, or near normal, and remained that way for at least six months on a decreased dosage of Nystatin; I completely removed Nystatin from Ray’s diet.

In addition to diet modification, and possible Nystatin Therapy; I know if you remove milk from the diet and substitute it with “Lactose Free” Almond Milk, or Soy Milk, also “Lactose Free,” this prevents the lactose from reacting with the intestinal acids and decreases digestive upsets and difficulties.  For a brief definition, the gluten diet consists of largely rice and protein, non-saturated fats and oils, no spicy seasoning; no sugars (you know, all the things kids love).  Here is what I did for Ray to help with the transition away from a sugary diet.   I bought sugar free cool aide and poured it into an ice cube tray for a sweet substitute popsicle.  Also you can purchase gummy bears or gummy fish candies that are sugar free.   In addition to that, vitamin supplementation is very important. Especially B-12 and DMG in Autistic kids; here are some links with regard to that:

      What is DMG, How Can It Help Those With Autism & Other Neurological Disorders?

DMG (N,N-Dimethylglycine) is a metabolic enhancer that can provide increased benefits when supplemented even if there isn’t a deficiency. …