A Diet Is Just One Thing to Try
A lot is being said about the effects of a special diet on autistic children: A few more items of note, including a technological device designed to help a user understand social expressions.
- UK grandfather donates sperm to father his own grandchild
Scientists cite the “older dads” theory of autism: At least mom wouldn’t get all the blame in this case. - That tuna fish sandwich is ok after all
Overriding debates about mercury in fish, a new study urges pregnant women to eat fish - But hold the bread, oatmeal, cheese and definitely the pizza
The LA Times notes that Jenny McCarthy’s “celebrity status is likely to lend credence” (which is just, well, credence) to the gluten-free casein-free diet. - Did Isaac Newton have Asperger’s?
And if he did, would this have been his breakfast (eggs are of course allowed on a gf cf diet). - 4 acres of parkland are to surround new home for autistic adults in the UK
Developers are said to believe this an “ideal setting to help those with autism”—my son would like a bit more interaction; he is a city boy. - Here is a “prosthesis” to aid with social skills
The MIT Media Lab appeals to Asperger’s students to test this face-reading device. - And don’t forget to exercise
At T.O.P. Soccer in Dayton, it’s the smiles not the scoreboard that tell you who is winning
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POSTED IN: Adulthood, Asperger's Syndrome, Food and Diet, Science, Technology, Vaccines
9 opinions for A Diet Is Just One Thing to Try
Joseph
Oct 6, 2007 at 11:15 am
A lot is being said, but there’s no real data on it. There’s a study on the Ketogenic diet with promising results, but it’s a non-controlled study, which makes it practically useless.
Kristina Chew, PhD
Oct 6, 2007 at 11:27 am
The diet was “the thing” to do when Charlie was diagnosed 8 1/2 years ago—-I think interest has cycle back.
AnneC
Oct 6, 2007 at 1:00 pm
Re. older dads: My dad was very young (21) when I was born. But there are several spectrum folks on that side of the family, which makes me think that we’d have been “born this way” regardless of how old our parents were when they conceived us. My paternal grandfather definitely had AS traits as well.
I don’t recall anyone ever trying to put me on “special” diets as a kid growing up in the 1980s, except when it turned out I was obviously allergic to something (e.g., peaches gave me hives).
Niksmom
Oct 6, 2007 at 5:02 pm
I think there is a lot to be said for the GFCF diet, though perhaps not in direct amelioration of autism. I know Nik does very well on this diet but that is also because he has a multiple medical issues involving his gut and his ability to absorb and/or process certain things. He already has a weakened immune system and canot handle things that create excess mucus for him.
Re: the trend or popularization of this diet, I think some of that is simply b/c it is so much easier to follow such a diet today. There is a proliferation of foods manufactured by a variety of companies versus trying to figure it out for oneself twenty years ago.
In any case, I don’t think the diet itself is a “cure” of any sort for autism.
Kristina Chew, PhD
Oct 6, 2007 at 5:38 pm
It is the case that it’s much easier to follow the diet—our local grocery stores have whole sections devoted to gf food and lots of soy products in the “dairy” and frozen sections.
Misha
Oct 6, 2007 at 7:04 pm
I tried the gfcf diet with my son, Joren, but I can honestly say it didn’t do anything for him. He continued on as the same 10 year old he always has. It was one of those experiences of what works for one family may not for another. Joren eats fairly healthy already which is how he’s been ever since I can remember. Maybe the diet was ineffective because of that? I don’t know. I think it’s great if it can work for other families. I can say that we tried the diet and it didn’t work for us.
I believe Joren has a weaker immune system in regards to fighting off colds, strep throat, etc. He was sick so much last school year - much moreso than his sister and I - that I was afraid he’d be held back. His IEP wouldn’t allow it but I was still worried. Because of that I wanted to find something that would help. My mom pushed vitamins until I was hearing her in my sleep! I admit I gave in and began giving him vitamin C, E and B-12 the end of last school year. That seems to be working for him so far. Last month, he came home from a three day class field trip and developed the sniffles right afterwards. It only lasted two days. Last year it would have developed into a full-blown cold that would have had him out for a week, maybe longer. I’m not giving all the credit to the vitamins but I think they have helped.
I think it’s one of those things where each child has their own individual make up and needs and we try different ideas until we find what works best and what seems to be right for that child as well as our individual families.
Kristina Chew, PhD
Oct 6, 2007 at 7:43 pm
Hi Misha—-my son rarely gets sick but when he does, he’s out for a week or so. Hope this school year is better—-Charlie is 10 years old, too.
It’s trial and error and hoping and start from scratch, again and again, it seems so often.
Leanne
Oct 7, 2007 at 11:09 am
The gfcf diet didn’t do anything for Patrick. He’s a very healthy little boy and rarely gets sick. I figure he just doesn’t have any gut issues to fix.
Something that did help him though was avoiding aspartame (most chemicals actually) and nitrates (although he does love a hot dog).
Misha
Oct 8, 2007 at 1:03 am
Hi Kristina.
Seeing Charlie’s age was one of the things that caught my eye. And I really enjoy reading about him. He sounds like how Joren was up until last year - healthy but when he gets sick he’s out for a long time. I hope he stays that way. It was so hard for me last year because it seemed every time I turned around J was sick. I have my fingers crossed for this year.
It’s definitely been trial and error and hope and starting from scratch, like you said. But anything that has been beneficial for him has all been worth it.
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