Why does gfcf diet work

They may develop repetitive behaviors and rituals. They often struggle with change. Children with autism benefit from working with behavior therapists, especially those trained in applied behavior analysis ABA therapy. This involves a treatment plan with measurable goals, which helps to change maladaptive behaviors, like some food aversions, and adjust them to positive behaviors, like a willingness to try new foods.

Newer medical research shows that gastrointestinal distress or discomfort can also be a sign of autism. Constipation, bloating, and diarrhea have been found to be six to eight times more common in people with autism compared to the general population.

These digestive issues might lead some younger children to refuse foods that they associate with feeling bad, which can lead to a very restrictive diet. Parents worry about their autistic children getting enough nutrition, so many parents turn to low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets. Children with autism might be especially sensitive to gluten, according to some medical research.

Following these diets might help children with autism, but the research is inconclusive. In the past several years, research on gluten sensitivity and autism has been mixed. Some studies show that people with autism are more likely to have a gluten sensitivity compared to the general population, while other studies refute that based on rates of celiac disease in particular.

Some studies suggest that focusing on a gluten-free diet will help children with autism feel better, which in turn reduces some of their behavioral issues. Other studies show no behavioral benefit to the GFCF diet. As of , scientific research has not been conclusive on the benefits versus the detriments of the GFCF diet or whether people with autism are truly more sensitive to gluten.

With these limitations addressed, Elder et al. More recently, Hyman and colleagues conducted a double-blind test in which 14 children with autism were placed on a GFCF diet. Following an extended period of time i. Data were collected on three domains that are often identified by proponents of GFCF diets as targets of the diet. Specifically, data were collected on physiologic functioning i. Data were collected on observed behaviors using well-established rating scales.

Like Elder and colleagues , Hyman and colleagues found no statistically significant differences in physiologic functioning, behavior problems, or ASD symptoms when children followed a GFCF diet as compared to when gluten and casein were reintroduced into their diet.

In addition to studies that utilize group design, Irvin utilized a within-subject design to evaluate the effects of the GFCF diet on the rate of problem behavior exhibited by a year-old boy diagnosed with autism and an intellectual disability. Specifically, Irvin conducted an assessment of problem behavior under various environmental conditions within two diet phases i. Results suggested that problem behavior did not decrease during the GFCF diet phase as compared to the regular diet phase.

This is important to note because GFCF diets are suggested to be associated with health risks due to the decreased nutrient intake e. Any health risks due to a decreased nutrient intake are likely to be exacerbated if meals in general are refused. Although these more recent studies begin to address the limitations of previous research, they are still limited in terms of using relatively small sample sizes and not assessing the impact of the diet over a long period of time.

Some research has suggested behavior change as a result of the GFCF diet does not occur immediately and instead occurs after several months of exposure to the diet Seung et al. Nonetheless, when major limitations to experimental rigor are addressed e. Additionally, placing a child on a GFCF diet may be socially stigmatizing because the child cannot eat the same food as his or her peers Mulloy, et al.

Another reason to implement a GFCF diet relates to hormones. These hormones are not always good for a growing child. Also, exposure to hormones in dairy products may lead to precocious puberty or even cause cancer cells to grow. Finally, the most important reason that parents should consider implementing the GFCF diet: there are hundreds of studies that provide proof that it's beneficial for people with autism. Below, you will find a few of our favorites.

As shown above, there are lots of reasons why you should consider implementing a GFCF diet for autism. For this reason, TACA has lots of tips and information on how to start the diet:.

The study findings appear online in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. They call for larger studies enrolling more children to see if there is a small subset of children whose autism symptoms are helped by the diet. It was supported by research grants from the National Institutes of Health and the University of Rochester.

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