Can Autism improve with Different Diets? Part 2

In the current report, experts in the field of autism refuted the controversial idea that autistic kids have a “problem gut” or what has been called “autistic enterocolitis.” This idea originated in 1998 by a British physician but has been discredited and has no authenticity. The present report indicates that there is no evidence that gut problems exist in autistic children, but unfortunately there are still some die hard parents who believe otherwise.

For now, experts indicate that parents should not go chasing special expensive diets for their autistic children. Many autistic diets have been developed. Some of these diets are gluten free, others are enriched with vitamins and yet others contain a myriad number of unknown herbs. The lack of availability of proper treatment has led nearly 20-40 percent of parents with autistic kids to buy such diets. The current report recommends that physicians check children for nutritional deficiencies and correct them only if a deficiency exists.

For some unknown reason autistic kids do have a variety of abdominal problems including bloating, gas, and cramps. Why this happens is not known but it may promote abnormal behavior.

Until more solid evidence about diet is forthcoming, autism is still best treated with a variety of behavior techniques.

Pediatrics Jan 2010

Can Autism improve with Different Diets? Part 1

With the sudden increase in autism, many people have been wondering if a change in diet may help. However, an expert panel says that there is no evidence that dietary or digestive problems are the cause of autism. Despite widespread claims by celebrities that special diets can help treat autistic kids- this is only speculative and not based on any established research.

In a report published in the Jan issue of Pediatrics, it is recommended that painful digestive problems that initiate problem behaviour should be treated medically and not by changed in diet. Said Dr Timothy Buie of Harvard Medical School, "There are a lot of barriers to medical care to children with autism. They can be destructive and unruly in the office, or they can't sit still. The nature of their condition often prevents them from getting standard medical care.”

Added Dr Buie, “Some pediatricians' offices can't handle those kids, especially if children are in pain or discomfort because of bloating or stomach cramps.” It is well known that pain can change behavior, which makes diagnosis difficult and this is even more so in children who have trouble communicating.

One of the hallmarks of autism is the inability to communicate or interact with others. Current estimates indicate that at least 1 in every 100 children may have some degree of autistic features.