The GFCF Diet for Kids

Autism, a disorder littered with sensory, motor, social and communication symptoms, can be detrimental to a child's development but may also see some relief from adherence to the "Gluten Free, Casein Free" diet.

GFCF and Autism

The GFCF diet has been publicized as an alternative treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but more research has aimed to learn of its benefits for autism. A review of the data from the Cochrane Collection published in 2007 shows that not enough reliable studies have been performed for the diet to be clinically recommended, although the small study they cited showed an improvement in communication and linguistic skills after a GFCF diet was begun in autistic individuals.

Implementing the Diet

The GFCF diet aims to remove all foods which could cause sensitivity, in an effort to keep partially digested proteins from affecting the brain negatively. Separated into stages, the diet plan suggests a definite restriction of first dairy, second gluten, then more specific dietary interventions depending on specific sensitivities. The inclusion of barley, oats, rye, triticale, milk, wheat, eggs, soy, peanuts, tree nuts and fish is not allowed.

Precautions

Since the diet limits selection so drastically, supplementing with vitamins and minerals--especially iron and calcium--is recommended. When trying to implement the diet, followers must ingredient lists carefully: Gluten is used in the production of such "nonbread" goods as some vinegar, soups, sauces, seasonings, spices and candy, while casein is found even in some soy products.