| When it comes to the diet of our children, parents try | | | | glutenin and gliadine, which is present in the Western |
| all and everything to accommodate nutritious foods | | | | diet. The second food group is found in prepared |
| into their diet. With autistic children, parents have a | | | | foods containing a large amount of wheat, rye, oats, |
| double whammy. Not only do they have to watch | | | | bread, and soy sauce. |
| what they eat but what they eat may be the cause | | | | After removing gluten and casein from their child's diet, |
| of certain behaviors. What one research may tell them | | | | many parents have noticed a marked improvement in |
| another study discounts it. There is now research with | | | | their child's behavior, which included less aggressive, |
| proven results in behavior through a gluten and casein | | | | eye contact, longer attention spans. Many parents |
| free diet. These are two major proteins in the | | | | start with the elimination of dairy as it's not as large a |
| Western food supply which if eliminated would reduce | | | | portion in the diet as gluten. Many "favorite" foods can |
| autistic symptoms. | | | | be made with lactose free products. You will have to |
| Autistic children, according to a study in 2006, have an | | | | check carefully for gluten ingredients in foods and |
| abnormal intestinal motility and a lower nutrient | | | | when in doubt contact the manufacturer. But it can be |
| absorption than the rest of the population. With | | | | done. |
| conflicting reports and studies, what seems to work | | | | Parents are concerned if foods that contain these |
| for one may not work for another. Or, may work | | | | proteins are taken away their child will go hungry. It is |
| more or to a lesser degree. Even reports conducted in | | | | important to be firm and inventive when replacing |
| different countries have conflicting findings. | | | | these foods. Don't give in to bad behavior when they |
| Growing children need protein and the removal of two | | | | don't get their favorite foods. Many foods can be |
| very important sources is a concern to nutritionists. | | | | purchased gluten free or gluten free home made |
| One major protein, Casein, a phosphorprotein, is | | | | recipes which are very healthy. In a few weeks the |
| present in milk and all dairy products. Gluten itself is | | | | child's behavior will become noticeably better. |
| divided again into two proteins which comprise of | | | | |