Gluten Intolerance in Autism
A gluten-casein free diet (GCFD) has been shown to dramatically improve behavior and health in many austistic individuals. Gluten is a protein found in wheat and used as an additive in many processed foods, and casein is a protein found in dairy products. Both of these proteins can have morphine-like effects on the brain, in individuals who can't properly digest them. Gluten intolerance in particular is implicated in systemic problems even in people without autism, particularly ADHD, and causes serious problems for individuals with celiac disease.
Gluten is found in bread, ceral, pasta, and many other 'staple' foods, many of which may be a part of the autistic patient's routine diet. Luckily, most wheat-flour based foods are also available in gluten-free versions. Bread and pasta made with rice or soy flour is available, and many health food stores have a large selection of gluten-free staple foods. Using gluten free products combined with soy alternatives to dairy is a quick way to remove much of the offending ingredients from an autistic individual's diet.
However, gluten is also used as an additive in many processed foods as well, under many different names. You can find lists of 'alternative names' for gluten to look out for, and carefully read labels on all processed foods you buy. The most reliable way to eliminate gluten though is to cook meals from raw ingredients, using gluten-free alternatives to bread and grain products.
Gluten intolerance can cause all kinds of trouble for autistic individuals, from digestive upsets (diarrhea, abdominal pain and/or gas) to behavioral problems (short attention span, impulsivity, sleeping difficulty). While not all autistic individuals suffer from gluten intolerance, the potential benefits are great enough that doing a 3 month trial with the diet is worthwhile.
Considering the drug-like effect undigested gluten has on the system, it is not surprising that many autistic patients act as though they're 'addicted' to the offending foods, but at the end of the GCFD trial, you may find the autistic patient acts as though they've 'awoken' from a trance, making major progress in many developmental areas, and making the hassle of a special diet more than worthwhile.