DEAR DR. GOTT: I read with interest the column that was recently posted about food issues with kids with autism.
My son is 17 and has severe autism. For many, many years, he suffered terribly with failure-to-thrive issues because of his aversion and bizarre sensory issues to many things, including food. He would go on what we called starvation diets; for days, he would eat absolutely nothing. I can remember giving him just about anything just so that I could get him to eat something.
When he was 14, out of complete desperation, we placed him on a restrictive diet. We removed gluten, casein, corn, soy, all sugars and dyes. He refused to eat anything at all for five days, but at the end of day five, something miraculous happened; our son said his first meaningful word ever since slipping into autism at 18 months of age. He said, “Eat!” He then proceeded to eat a huge plate of chicken, rice and vegetables. When he finished, he said, “More eat!”
Since that day, he is now eating a large variety of healthy whole foods, and he now says approximately 800 words. Daily he adds to his knowledge. He is now partially verbal, no longer self-abusive or aggressive, and his sleeping issues have been resolved.
I understand where the mother in the previous article was coming from, and yet I completely know what you are saying is true, as well. However, I don’t believe you went far enough into exploring the multifaceted issues with food needs for children with autism. I am hoping that you will take up the cause, especially since you already support living without flour and sugar.
DEAR READER: There are several disorders that make up autism spectrum disorders (ASD), also known as pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). Those affected experience repetitive behavior or interests, the diminished ability to interact socially and problems with verbal and/or nonverbal communication. Often, sufferers display unusual responses to sensory experiences, such as certain objects, sounds, foods and more.
Autism was first defined in 1943, making it very new in terms of medicine. Currently, there is no known cause, no specific treatment and no cure. Management is based on the specific needs of the child; therefore, what works for one child may not work for another. Experts agree, however, that early diagnosis and treatment are the best means to lessen symptoms and improve quality of life for these children.
Of the possible treatment options, some parents may wish to try dietary changes. This theory is based on the idea that symptoms of autism may be caused or worsened by food allergies and/or a vitamin deficiency. A gluten- and casein-free diet has helped some children, such as your son. Gluten is found in wheat, oats, rye and barley, and is therefore in many fortified foods, such as cereals, breads, baked goods and more. It is the same substance that causes bowel problems in those with celiac disease. Casein is found in dairy products. Eliminating these two substances from the diet can prove difficult because of their prevalence, but, as you have found, it’s worth it if it helps.
Some parents have also found that adding a vitamin B6 supplement along with magnesium (to make the vitamin more effective) improved symptoms. Studies are mixed, however, with some children showing positive results, others negative and still others experiencing little or no effects at all.
Any parent with a child who suffers from one of the disorders on the autism spectrum knows the unique difficulties in caring for these children. Thank you for sharing your amazing results and experience.