A.B.
Funny you posted this particular question...you also e-mailed me about potty training...my results with potty training came AFTER the GF/CF diet (about 4 months after) when your son is able to process information more clearly HE WILL POTTY TRAIN MUCH EASIER!!!!!!!!!!!! I also sent this information out to all of my friends, family memebers and son's teachers so that they could better understand how to help my son and other children on the spectrum...so, please read the following e-mail:
I will give you my phone# and offer my help to get going on the diet, just ask...you can do it!!!!!!!!
Everyone,
I am sending you a web address in hopes that you will visit. Whether you have or know of a child on the Autism Spectrum, this site speaks of not only the educational therapies for Autism but also the physiological matters to be considered as an equal part in helping those affected by Autism. Odds are now (1/150-for females and males combined, or 1/94-considering only males) that if you do not already have someone in your life that is affected by Autism, you soon will...Please, take the time to educate yourself on the physiological/biomedical part of this disability by visiting:
http://www.talkaboutcuringautism.org
Personally I, like Jenny McCarthy, believe my best evidence for nutritional supports has been my experience with my son, Wyatt. Wyatt was allergy tested after our Neurologist referred us to a dietician that was well acquainted with the Gluten-Free/Casein-Free (GF/CF) diet. Wyatt had very strong allergies to ALL DAIRY and reacted mildly to wheat products. Wyatt has been on the Gluten-Free/Casein-Free (GF/CF) diet since he was only considered to have a Sensory Integration Dysfunction challenge (a few months before he turned three) and at the age of three was diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Wyatt, before the diet, only ate from a very limited variety of foods and had what myself and my mother-in-law considered to be unusual bowel movements (they looked exactly like runny cow patties). After starting the diet, we noticed that we were able to be more relevant in Wyatt's world. His stools formed and looked more normal. He was less aggressive and increased his vocabulary.
After six months of the being on the diet, my husband and I were tempted to challenge the idea that the GF/CF diet even worked. We decided to treat ourselves to pizza on a Friday night. Wyatt did not have any other marked changes in his life, at that time, other than the pizza. He woke every two hours that night-stemming...his behavior became more aggressive for several days thereafter (by the way, it takes 7-10 days for Gluten or Casein to clear their system). That was enough to convince us that dairy and wheat are serious obstacles to consider in Wyatt's progress with battling Autism. Now (Wyatt is 6 years-old) and we still see consistent objections to his progress when he consumes wheat or dairy (he wakes several times that night, stems intensely and becomes withdrawn and/or aggressive).
For those of you that have children on the spectrum. If your child has any of the following:
trouble sleeping at night
extremely selective to foods that contain dairy and/or wheat (ie. pastas, cheeses and battered foods) in a self-limited diet
unusual bowel movements (loose/constipated or unusual color from your own)
PLEASE, SERIOUSLY CONSIDER the GF/CF diet. There are more and more store brands establishing a Gluten and/or dairy free label that make it cost effective and easier to decipher. What I find even more convincing/interesting is that the Wal-mart, Great Value, brand is even beginning to designate Gluten Free labels...just makes you wonder, what relevance does the gluten have if it is not having an increased impact on our physiology? There is a processed history in the gluten part of all of our diets...google it an I'm sure you'll find out more. Thanks for taking the time to read/learn about something I am very passionate about...I only wish to help make a difference, for someone, like so many have made a difference for Wyatt.
Sincerely,
A. C. B.