Comments on: Gluten and Autism Connection http://www.aspieweb.net/gluten-free-autism-connection/ The Aspergers And Autism Web Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:08:59 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Kathleen E. http://www.aspieweb.net/gluten-free-autism-connection/#comment-14411 Kathleen E. Thu, 14 Jan 2010 23:12:43 +0000 http://www.aspieweb.net/?p=1500#comment-14411 I should have added that my grandson is quite articulate about how sick gluten made him and is very careful about not eating gluten even if people offer it to him. He does eat small amounts of casein without apparent problems. He thinks (rather passionately) that people could do more to accommodate us and other gluten-intolerant people in public meetings. He's now almost nine and doing very well. I homeschool him because of the bullying by peers and teachers that he experienced in school. The school system in Florida is not appropriate for children like him, and that is the understatement of the year. Also, I should say, I have an official diagnosis of A.D.D., inattentive type, but on the online Aspie quizzes I always score as "probably Asperger's." Kathleen E., PhD I should have added that my grandson is quite articulate about how sick gluten made him and is very careful about not eating gluten even if people offer it to him. He does eat small amounts of casein without apparent problems. He thinks (rather passionately) that people could do more to accommodate us and other gluten-intolerant people in public meetings. He’s now almost nine and doing very well. I homeschool him because of the bullying by peers and teachers that he experienced in school. The school system in Florida is not appropriate for children like him, and that is the understatement of the year. Also, I should say, I have an official diagnosis of A.D.D., inattentive type, but on the online Aspie quizzes I always score as “probably Asperger’s.”

Kathleen E., PhD

]]> By: Kathleen E. http://www.aspieweb.net/gluten-free-autism-connection/#comment-14410 Kathleen E. Thu, 14 Jan 2010 23:05:06 +0000 http://www.aspieweb.net/?p=1500#comment-14410 Hi, I am on a gluten-free diet as is my grandson with high-functioning autism. He had severe vestibular problems as a preschool child, could not use the toilet when he sat on it, couldn't stand a carousel or a boat ride, and also had chronic loose stools. I have a genetic immune deficiency (IgA deficiency) which has also been found in 8% of the people on the autism spectrum, and it raises the chance of celiac disease. When my grandson was five, I was diagnosed with a DH rash and gluten enteropathy. We had him tested serologically as well and he had very high antibodies against gluten, some against casein and also positive anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies, which are specific for celiac disease. Off of gluten, he was completely able to use the toilet in a few days, with no further accidents, and to tolerate and enjoy the carousel, boat rides, etc. We believe that he had gluten ataxia. The anti-tissue tranglutaminase antibody is known to attack brain cells in the cerebellum as well as the intestine. His bowel function cleared up too. Both my rash and my twenty-year long chronic diarrhea is gone. It is known that the DH rash and the gluten ataxia may be present when the atropy of the villi characteristic of classical celiac disease is not, so there was no reason to do an endoscopy. Hi, I am on a gluten-free diet as is my grandson with high-functioning autism. He had severe vestibular problems as a preschool child, could not use the toilet when he sat on it, couldn’t stand a carousel or a boat ride, and also had chronic loose stools. I have a genetic immune deficiency (IgA deficiency) which has also been found in 8% of the people on the autism spectrum, and it raises the chance of celiac disease. When my grandson was five, I was diagnosed with a DH rash and gluten enteropathy. We had him tested serologically as well and he had very high antibodies against gluten, some against casein and also positive anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies, which are specific for celiac disease. Off of gluten, he was completely able to use the toilet in a few days, with no further accidents, and to tolerate and enjoy the carousel, boat rides, etc. We believe that he had gluten ataxia. The anti-tissue tranglutaminase antibody is known to attack brain cells in the cerebellum as well as the intestine. His bowel function cleared up too. Both my rash and my twenty-year long chronic diarrhea is gone. It is known that the DH rash and the gluten ataxia may be present when the atropy of the villi characteristic of classical celiac disease is not, so there was no reason to do an endoscopy.

]]> By: Theo http://www.aspieweb.net/gluten-free-autism-connection/#comment-14361 Theo Tue, 29 Dec 2009 13:47:19 +0000 http://www.aspieweb.net/?p=1500#comment-14361 It seems to really help some people, and not others. I'm a bit opposite. If I go without dairy for to long I start to get sick. I already have issues with how smalll I tend to be so cutting out dairy would make that worse. But I have heard many parents talk about the benefits and how much it has helped thier child. I would say in this case, if it will or will not work for you would be based on an individual basis. It seems to really help some people, and not others. I’m a bit opposite. If I go without dairy for to long I start to get sick. I already have issues with how smalll I tend to be so cutting out dairy would make that worse. But I have heard many parents talk about the benefits and how much it has helped thier child. I would say in this case, if it will or will not work for you would be based on an individual basis.

]]> By: Sandra Dubrov http://www.aspieweb.net/gluten-free-autism-connection/#comment-14355 Sandra Dubrov Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:39:53 +0000 http://www.aspieweb.net/?p=1500#comment-14355 Zach, my son, who was diagnosed at two and a half, benefited immensely from the diet. He had no GI issues at all, but I was desperate and willing to try anything and everything to help him. At the time, he had at most 50 words; he hardly ever used them to communicate and never produced a sentence. He had plenty of stims, no eye contact, constant tantrums, antisocial behavior, sensory integration issues and a very, very limited diet. First, I cut out all dairy, a month later he started speaking in sentences. I immediately cut out all gluten, soy and processed foods, six months later he lost his diagnosis. It took us several years and lots of acupuncture, chiropractic neurology, cranial sacral therapy and most importantly, homotoxicology before he was fully neurotypical. He turned seven last week. He has been mainstreamed for two years, has lots of friends and is completely indistinguishable from his peers. He still refuses to eat anything that contains gluten or casein - he tells me that it makes him feel sick and foggy. Zach, my son, who was diagnosed at two and a half, benefited immensely from the diet. He had no GI issues at all, but I was desperate and willing to try anything and everything to help him. At the time, he had at most 50 words; he hardly ever used them to communicate and never produced a sentence. He had plenty of stims, no eye contact, constant tantrums, antisocial behavior, sensory integration issues and a very, very limited diet.
First, I cut out all dairy, a month later he started speaking in sentences. I immediately cut out all gluten, soy and processed foods, six months later he lost his diagnosis. It took us several years and lots of acupuncture, chiropractic neurology, cranial sacral therapy and most importantly, homotoxicology before he was fully neurotypical.

He turned seven last week. He has been mainstreamed for two years, has lots of friends and is completely indistinguishable from his peers. He still refuses to eat anything that contains gluten or casein – he tells me that it makes him feel sick and foggy.

]]> By: Sarah http://www.aspieweb.net/gluten-free-autism-connection/#comment-14339 Sarah Tue, 22 Dec 2009 07:11:55 +0000 http://www.aspieweb.net/?p=1500#comment-14339 My mother tried to pull that one on me when I was sixteen. I was insulted by this thinking that I would be better or cured by some diet that's better used for someone who has issues with gluten or casein. I'm kind of hypocritical when it comes to biomeds; I take issue with biomedical treatments being used by NT parents of autistic children, just read plenty of reviews on Amazon by NT parents applauding authors of one book on this (namely Jenny McCarthy), claiming that it cures their autistic child's issues. Some are dumb enough to misspell asperger's( one spells it aspbergers or some misspelled variation of it), others play entitlemoo by telling any medical professional who leaves a review that they have no business posting a review since they don't have an autistic child. My mother tried to pull that one on me when I was sixteen. I was insulted by this thinking that I would be better or cured by some diet that’s better used for someone who has issues with gluten or casein. I’m kind of hypocritical when it comes to biomeds; I take issue with biomedical treatments being used by NT parents of autistic children, just read plenty of reviews on Amazon by NT parents applauding authors of one book on this (namely Jenny McCarthy), claiming that it cures their autistic child’s issues. Some are dumb enough to misspell asperger’s( one spells it aspbergers or some misspelled variation of it), others play entitlemoo by telling any medical professional who leaves a review that they have no business posting a review since they don’t have an autistic child.

]]> By: MJ http://www.aspieweb.net/gluten-free-autism-connection/#comment-14327 MJ Sat, 19 Dec 2009 16:39:20 +0000 http://www.aspieweb.net/?p=1500#comment-14327 If you are interested in the topic, I wrote about why we tried at GFCF diet with out children here - http://autismjabberwocky.blogspot.com/2009/08/why-we-tried-gfcf-diet.html And the results we say after putting our children on the diet here - http://autismjabberwocky.blogspot.com/2009/08/our-results-with-gfcf-diet.html If you are interested in the topic, I wrote about why we tried at GFCF diet with out children here -

http://autismjabberwocky.blogspot.com/2009/08/why-we-tried-gfcf-diet.html

And the results we say after putting our children on the diet here -

http://autismjabberwocky.blogspot.com/2009/08/our-results-with-gfcf-diet.html

]]> By: Corina Becker http://www.aspieweb.net/gluten-free-autism-connection/#comment-14311 Corina Becker Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:52:24 +0000 http://www.aspieweb.net/?p=1500#comment-14311 as someone with no gluten problems, there is no reason for me to cut out a necessary vitamin and nutrient source. As has been said, the gluten free diet will only work if a person has been tested to have problems with gluten, and thus cannot be considered a universal treatment. It is understandable that if a person is feeling better from relieving a medical issue, that their abilities and general mood will improve. I have yet to see someone who is in a good mood or does well when they're feeling sick. as someone with no gluten problems, there is no reason for me to cut out a necessary vitamin and nutrient source.

As has been said, the gluten free diet will only work if a person has been tested to have problems with gluten, and thus cannot be considered a universal treatment. It is understandable that if a person is feeling better from relieving a medical issue, that their abilities and general mood will improve. I have yet to see someone who is in a good mood or does well when they’re feeling sick.

]]> By: Theo http://www.aspieweb.net/gluten-free-autism-connection/#comment-14308 Theo Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:11:55 +0000 http://www.aspieweb.net/?p=1500#comment-14308 I did some research to answer your question and this is what I found. From: http://www.publix.com/wellness/notes/Display.do?id=Diet&childId=Gluten_Free_Diet "Why do people follow this diet? Celiac disease (also called gluten enteropathy) is a disorder of the small intestine characterized by sensitivity to gluten. In people with celiac disease, eating gluten causes inflammation in and damage to the lining of the small intestine, resulting in diarrhea, malabsorption, fat in the stool, and nutritional and vitamin deficiencies. A gluten-free diet is the primary treatment for celiac disease. Strict avoidance of wheat, barley, and rye (the three most abundant sources of gluten) usually improves gastrointestinal symptoms within a few weeks, although in some cases improvement may take many months. People with celiac disease must remove all gluten-containing foods from their diets in order to relieve symptoms. Following a gluten-free diet has been shown to reduce the incidence of cancer, low bone mineral density, and infertility in persons with celiac disease. People with dermatitis herpetiformis may benefit from following a gluten-free diet. The cause of dermatitis herpetiformis is mainly an allergic-type reaction. Gluten-sensitivity enteropathy is found in 75 to 90% of people with dermatitis herpetiformis. Unlike celiac disease, however, gastrointestinal symptoms are mild or absent. Strict adherence to a lifelong gluten-free diet can eliminate dermatitis herpetiformis symptoms and intestinal abnormalities, as well as reduce or eliminate the need for medication in most people. However, an average of 8 to 12 months of dietary restriction may be necessary before symptoms resolve. Not all people with dermatitis herpetiformis improve on a gluten-free diet. Preliminary studies indicate sensitivity to other dietary proteins may be involved. Anecdotal evidence suggests that people with psoriasis may improve on a hypoallergenic diet. Three trials have reported that eliminating gluten (as found in wheat, rye, and barley) improved psoriasis for some people. A doctor can help people with psoriasis determine whether gluten or other foods are contributing to their skin condition. Preliminary evidence suggests that a gluten-free diet may help improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. In one trial, 14 weeks of a gluten-free (no wheat, rye or barley), pure vegetarian diet, gradually changed to a lactovegetarian diet (permitting dairy), led to significant improvement in rheumatoid arthritis as evidenced by associated symptoms as well as by objective laboratory measures of disease. HIV enteropathy, a complication of AIDS that is characterized by weight loss and chronic diarrhea, may respond to a gluten-free diet. In a preliminary trial, men with HIV enteropathy experienced a reduction in the number of episodes of diarrhea as well as significant weight gain while following a gluten-free diet. For many years, researchers have been speculating that certain dietary proteins, including gluten, may contribute to the symptoms of schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia are more likely to have immune-system reactions to gluten than the general population, according to some studies. While clinical research findings have been inconsistent, some, but not all, people with schizophrenia may benefit from a gluten-free (and dairy-free) diet. What are the symptoms? Individuals who are sensitive to gluten may have the following symptoms: Abdominal cramping and pain Bloating and flatulence Bone and joint pain Canker sores Chronic diarrhea Delayed growth or short stature Dyspepsia Emotional disturbances, such as anxiety and depression Fatigue Infertility Painful skin rash Weight loss " I did some research to answer your question and this is what I found.

From: http://www.publix.com/wellness/notes/Display.do?id=Diet&childId=Gluten_Free_Diet

“Why do people follow this diet?
Celiac disease (also called gluten enteropathy) is a disorder of the small intestine characterized by sensitivity to gluten. In people with celiac disease, eating gluten causes inflammation in and damage to the lining of the small intestine, resulting in diarrhea, malabsorption, fat in the stool, and nutritional and vitamin deficiencies.

A gluten-free diet is the primary treatment for celiac disease. Strict avoidance of wheat, barley, and rye (the three most abundant sources of gluten) usually improves gastrointestinal symptoms within a few weeks, although in some cases improvement may take many months. People with celiac disease must remove all gluten-containing foods from their diets in order to relieve symptoms. Following a gluten-free diet has been shown to reduce the incidence of cancer, low bone mineral density, and infertility in persons with celiac disease.

People with dermatitis herpetiformis may benefit from following a gluten-free diet. The cause of dermatitis herpetiformis is mainly an allergic-type reaction. Gluten-sensitivity enteropathy is found in 75 to 90% of people with dermatitis herpetiformis. Unlike celiac disease, however, gastrointestinal symptoms are mild or absent. Strict adherence to a lifelong gluten-free diet can eliminate dermatitis herpetiformis symptoms and intestinal abnormalities, as well as reduce or eliminate the need for medication in most people. However, an average of 8 to 12 months of dietary restriction may be necessary before symptoms resolve. Not all people with dermatitis herpetiformis improve on a gluten-free diet. Preliminary studies indicate sensitivity to other dietary proteins may be involved.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that people with psoriasis may improve on a hypoallergenic diet. Three trials have reported that eliminating gluten (as found in wheat, rye, and barley) improved psoriasis for some people. A doctor can help people with psoriasis determine whether gluten or other foods are contributing to their skin condition.

Preliminary evidence suggests that a gluten-free diet may help improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. In one trial, 14 weeks of a gluten-free (no wheat, rye or barley), pure vegetarian diet, gradually changed to a lactovegetarian diet (permitting dairy), led to significant improvement in rheumatoid arthritis as evidenced by associated symptoms as well as by objective laboratory measures of disease.

HIV enteropathy, a complication of AIDS that is characterized by weight loss and chronic diarrhea, may respond to a gluten-free diet. In a preliminary trial, men with HIV enteropathy experienced a reduction in the number of episodes of diarrhea as well as significant weight gain while following a gluten-free diet.

For many years, researchers have been speculating that certain dietary proteins, including gluten, may contribute to the symptoms of schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia are more likely to have immune-system reactions to gluten than the general population, according to some studies. While clinical research findings have been inconsistent, some, but not all, people with schizophrenia may benefit from a gluten-free (and dairy-free) diet.

What are the symptoms?
Individuals who are sensitive to gluten may have the following symptoms:

Abdominal cramping and pain
Bloating and flatulence
Bone and joint pain
Canker sores
Chronic diarrhea
Delayed growth or short stature
Dyspepsia
Emotional disturbances, such as anxiety and depression
Fatigue
Infertility
Painful skin rash
Weight loss “

]]> By: Theo http://www.aspieweb.net/gluten-free-autism-connection/#comment-14307 Theo Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:07:25 +0000 http://www.aspieweb.net/?p=1500#comment-14307 To answer your question Alexa, I did a little research, and this is what I found. From http://www.publix.com/wellness/notes/Display.do?id=Diet&childId=Gluten_Free_Diet "Why do people follow this diet? Celiac disease (also called gluten enteropathy) is a disorder of the small intestine characterized by sensitivity to gluten. In people with celiac disease, eating gluten causes inflammation in and damage to the lining of the small intestine, resulting in diarrhea, malabsorption, fat in the stool, and nutritional and vitamin deficiencies. A gluten-free diet is the primary treatment for celiac disease. Strict avoidance of wheat, barley, and rye (the three most abundant sources of gluten) usually improves gastrointestinal symptoms within a few weeks, although in some cases improvement may take many months. People with celiac disease must remove all gluten-containing foods from their diets in order to relieve symptoms. Following a gluten-free diet has been shown to reduce the incidence of cancer, low bone mineral density, and infertility in persons with celiac disease. People with dermatitis herpetiformis may benefit from following a gluten-free diet. The cause of dermatitis herpetiformis is mainly an allergic-type reaction. Gluten-sensitivity enteropathy is found in 75 to 90% of people with dermatitis herpetiformis. Unlike celiac disease, however, gastrointestinal symptoms are mild or absent. Strict adherence to a lifelong gluten-free diet can eliminate dermatitis herpetiformis symptoms and intestinal abnormalities, as well as reduce or eliminate the need for medication in most people. However, an average of 8 to 12 months of dietary restriction may be necessary before symptoms resolve. Not all people with dermatitis herpetiformis improve on a gluten-free diet. Preliminary studies indicate sensitivity to other dietary proteins may be involved. Preliminary evidence suggests that a gluten-free diet may help improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. In one trial, 14 weeks of a gluten-free (no wheat, rye or barley), pure vegetarian diet, gradually changed to a lactovegetarian diet (permitting dairy), led to significant improvement in rheumatoid arthritis as evidenced by associated symptoms as well as by objective laboratory measures of disease. HIV enteropathy, a complication of AIDS that is characterized by weight loss and chronic diarrhea, may respond to a gluten-free diet. In a preliminary trial, men with HIV enteropathy experienced a reduction in the number of episodes of diarrhea as well as significant weight gain while following a gluten-free diet. For many years, researchers have been speculating that certain dietary proteins, including gluten, may contribute to the symptoms of schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia are more likely to have immune-system reactions to gluten than the general population, according to some studies. While clinical research findings have been inconsistent, some, but not all, people with schizophrenia may benefit from a gluten-free (and dairy-free) diet. What are the symptoms? Individuals who are sensitive to gluten may have the following symptoms: Abdominal cramping and pain Bloating and flatulence Bone and joint pain Canker sores Chronic diarrhea Delayed growth or short stature Dyspepsia Emotional disturbances, such as anxiety and depression Fatigue Infertility Painful skin rash Weight loss" I hope that helps! To answer your question Alexa, I did a little research, and this is what I found.

From http://www.publix.com/wellness/notes/Display.do?id=Diet&childId=Gluten_Free_Diet

“Why do people follow this diet?
Celiac disease (also called gluten enteropathy) is a disorder of the small intestine characterized by sensitivity to gluten. In people with celiac disease, eating gluten causes inflammation in and damage to the lining of the small intestine, resulting in diarrhea, malabsorption, fat in the stool, and nutritional and vitamin deficiencies.

A gluten-free diet is the primary treatment for celiac disease. Strict avoidance of wheat, barley, and rye (the three most abundant sources of gluten) usually improves gastrointestinal symptoms within a few weeks, although in some cases improvement may take many months. People with celiac disease must remove all gluten-containing foods from their diets in order to relieve symptoms. Following a gluten-free diet has been shown to reduce the incidence of cancer, low bone mineral density, and infertility in persons with celiac disease.

People with dermatitis herpetiformis may benefit from following a gluten-free diet. The cause of dermatitis herpetiformis is mainly an allergic-type reaction. Gluten-sensitivity enteropathy is found in 75 to 90% of people with dermatitis herpetiformis. Unlike celiac disease, however, gastrointestinal symptoms are mild or absent. Strict adherence to a lifelong gluten-free diet can eliminate dermatitis herpetiformis symptoms and intestinal abnormalities, as well as reduce or eliminate the need for medication in most people. However, an average of 8 to 12 months of dietary restriction may be necessary before symptoms resolve. Not all people with dermatitis herpetiformis improve on a gluten-free diet. Preliminary studies indicate sensitivity to other dietary proteins may be involved.

Preliminary evidence suggests that a gluten-free diet may help improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. In one trial, 14 weeks of a gluten-free (no wheat, rye or barley), pure vegetarian diet, gradually changed to a lactovegetarian diet (permitting dairy), led to significant improvement in rheumatoid arthritis as evidenced by associated symptoms as well as by objective laboratory measures of disease.

HIV enteropathy, a complication of AIDS that is characterized by weight loss and chronic diarrhea, may respond to a gluten-free diet. In a preliminary trial, men with HIV enteropathy experienced a reduction in the number of episodes of diarrhea as well as significant weight gain while following a gluten-free diet.

For many years, researchers have been speculating that certain dietary proteins, including gluten, may contribute to the symptoms of schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia are more likely to have immune-system reactions to gluten than the general population, according to some studies. While clinical research findings have been inconsistent, some, but not all, people with schizophrenia may benefit from a gluten-free (and dairy-free) diet.

What are the symptoms?
Individuals who are sensitive to gluten may have the following symptoms:

Abdominal cramping and pain
Bloating and flatulence
Bone and joint pain
Canker sores
Chronic diarrhea
Delayed growth or short stature
Dyspepsia
Emotional disturbances, such as anxiety and depression
Fatigue
Infertility
Painful skin rash
Weight loss”

I hope that helps!

]]> By: Alexa http://www.aspieweb.net/gluten-free-autism-connection/#comment-14298 Alexa Mon, 14 Dec 2009 23:24:27 +0000 http://www.aspieweb.net/?p=1500#comment-14298 "I have heard here at work around the water cooler that doctors who reccomend the diet do so to those who are on the spectrum who also have gastro intestional problems." Do they also recommend the diet to those who are not on the spectrum but do have gastro-intestinal problems? “I have heard here at work around the water cooler that doctors who reccomend the diet do so to those who are on the spectrum who also have gastro intestional problems.”

Do they also recommend the diet to those who are not on the spectrum but do have gastro-intestinal problems?

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