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Gluten-restricted diets have become increasingly popular among parents
seeking treatment for children diagnosed with autism. Some of the reported response to celiac diets in children with autism may be related to amelioration of nutritional deficiency resulting from undiagnosed gluten sensitivity and consequent malabsorption.A case is presented of a 5-year-old boy diagnosed with severe autism at
a specialty clinic for autistic spectrum disorders. After initial investigation
suggested underlying celiac disease and varied nutrient deficiencies, a
gluten-free diet was instituted along with dietary and supplemental measures to secure nutritional sufficiency.The patient’s gastrointestinal symptoms rapidly resolved, and signs and
symptoms suggestive of autism progressively abated.This case is an example of a common malabsorption syndrome associated with central nervous system dysfunction and suggests that in some contexts, nutritional deficiency may be a determinant of developmental delay.
It is recommended that all children with neurodevelopmental problems be assessed for nutritional deficiency and malabsorption syndromes
- By gluten free Society
Source:
J Child Neurol. 2010 Jan;25(1):114-9. Epub 2009 Jun 29.
Gluten Free Society’s Stance
This is a great case study example of gluten associated autism. The authors make an excellent recommendation in testing all children with abnormal neurodevelopment for nutritional deficiencies and malabsorption related diseases. This type of testing can be performed by Spectracell laboratories in Houston, TX – http://www.spectracell.com/
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