Gluten-free diet in autism

A great deal of interest has been generated in the use of gluten-free/casein-free diets in the management of children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder).Children with ASD can have selective eating and may therefore limit their diet as a result of their disorder. If the majority of foods acceptable to the children contain gluten or casein such as bread and milk, removing gluten from the diet could lead to a very restrictive intake. 

The book ‘Getting your kid on a gluten-free and casein-free diet’ written by Susan Lord, an American dietitian, was reviewed in May’s edition of ‘ Dietetics Today’, the British Dietetic Association magazine.

The book covers the nutritional requirements for children, and the concerns associated with a restrictive diet, and how to overcome this challenge. It gives practical information which could be used for families that have chosen to use a gluten-free diet as a treatment for ASD.

There is insufficient scientific evidence to support the routine use of gluten-free/casein-free diets in children with ASD.

Coeliac UK recommends anyone wishing to follow a gluten-free/casein-free diet should do so with close supervision from their healthcare team and a registered dietitian. If the child is going to be tested for coeliac disease it is important that a normal diet which contains gluten is eaten before and during the testing process.