Annotated Bibliography 




Autism: Child Gets Better When Dairy, Gluten, and Heavy Metals are Removed

Works Cited

"Autism: Child Gets Better When Dairy, Gluten, and Heavy Metals are Removed." YouTube. Web. 13 Apr 2011. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yUCrpWx2o4>.

A YouTube video that I found dealt with a parent whose child was diagnosed with autism at fifteen months old. The mother discusses her eight-year-old child’s symptoms from when he was little.  At birth he had physical symptoms like vomiting and constipation. When he was formally diagnosed with this disorder, the mother went to several pediatricians to find some answers as to why he was always sick and had mood fluctuations. The mother stated that one of the doctors said, “he has autism, he is supposed to throw up.” In the YouTube video, the mother explains how the child reacts when dairy and gluten is removed from her sons diet. The child’s behavioral therapist discusses how the child’s moods improved with the diet change. The video is very interesting, especially hearing it from the mother perspective. 


Like it Was: a Complete Guide to Writing Oral History

Works Cited


Brown, Cynthia Stokes. "Conducting the Interview " Like It Was: a Complete Guide to Writing Oral History. New York: Teachers & Writers Collaborative, 1988. 31-49. Print.

In chapter 3 of the book Like it Was: A Complete Guide to Writing Oral History, author Cynthia Stokes Brown discusses the interview process, including what people to interview, what kind of piece to write, what questions to ask, practicing before an interview, tips for making the process go smoothly, and how to be as productive as possible during an interview.  Brown notes the importance of the interviewer establishing a good connection with their narrator, which requires them to maintain a delicate balance between saying just enough to get the narrator to trust and open up to them, and being sure not to say so much that they disrupt the flow of the interview.  Brown also explains how it is essential for the interviewer  to pay careful attention to everything from the kinds of questions they ask, at what points in the interview they ask the questions, how they phrase the question, the way in which they deliver the question, their level of background knowledge on the subject, when certain questions are not working, when to push for more details, and even the type of body language and facial expressions displayed throughout the interview.


Food Inc. 

Works Cited


Food Inc. Robert Kenner. Magnolia Pictures. 2008 DVD.

In the documentary Food Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner exposes the disturbing truth behind America’s food industry, which has been hidden from the America public. The documentary includes various interviews with experts such as the author of Fast Food Nation, Eric Schlosser, author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Michael Pollan, food safety advocate Barbara Kowalcyk , president and CEO of Stonyfield Farms, Gary  Hirshberg, and owner of Poly Face Farms, Joel Salatin.  The film offers  an in depth look at everything that is affected by the food industry, including the animals being raised for slaughter, consumers health, farmers jobs, the safety of workers, as well as the environment.  As Americans continue to purchase these foods they not only continue to support the unethical practices of these corporations, but they also continue to be affected by issues such as type II diabetes, obesity, and food borne illnesses.

What is Gluten?

Works Cited

"Gluten." The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. 2003. Houghton Mifflin Company 29 Apr. 2011 http://www.thefreedictionary.com/gluten

According to the American Heratige Dictionary, gluten is defined as 1."The mixture of proteins, including gliadins and glutelins, found in wheat grains, which are not soluble in water and which give wheat dough its elastic texture. 2. Any of the prolamins [proteins] found in cereal grains, especially the prolamins in wheat, rye, barley, and possibly oats, that cause digestive disorders such as celiac disease"(Gluten). 

There are many foods that contain gluten proteins, but the most common of these foods are cereals, breads, crackers, pastas, and other carbohydrates. While gluten is most commonly found in foods, it can also be found in other products such as vitamins, supplements, medications, and cosmetics, so it is important for those people who are trying to avoid gluten to check product labels to ensure they are not accidentally consuming gluten.
 


Autism: How Gluten & Casein Affect Your Child

Works Cited

HNWellness. "Autism: How Gluten & Casein Affect Your Child." Autismspot.com. ProjectLD, LLC., 2010. Web. 22 Apr. 2011.<http://www.autismspot.com/blog/ Autism-How-Gluten-Casein-affect-your-child>.      

This article discuss the physical and psychological affects that gluten and casein are believed to have on children with autism, which is a disorder commonly associated with other gastrointestinal problems and food allergies. The author compares the effects that they have on the brain with that of an opiate. He explains that the feelings these children experience are very similar to the “mix of euphoria, lethargy and clouded brain function” and “hallucinogenic thoughts” that many people may experience after taking an opiod (HNWellness).  This is due to the fact that their bodies are unable to properly break down wheat and/or dairy products.  When this occurs, the partially digested food then turns into peptides which act as opiates after they are combined with stomach enzymes. After these peptides travel to the brain, they attach to its opoid receptors, “mimicking a hallucinogenic drug” (HNWellness).  They are also noted to affect both the nervous and immune systems as well.  


Daniel's Success Story


Works Cited

Knowles, Lori. "Daniel's Success Story." You Tube. New Beginnings Nutrionalist, 2009. Web. 22 Apr. 2011.

After being evaluated in 2000, Daniel was noted as having significant receptive and expressive language delays, as well as significant delays in his play skills. After Daniel’s initial diagnoses, Gorman began intervention twice weekly for one hour sessions at his home, along with occupational therapy and special instruction, and within a few months Daniel’s family began “drastic dietary intervention.” Gorman claims that within one month they began to see excellent improvements in Daniel. She states that Daniel began to expand his word length and utterances and follows directions without any visual cues.  She also says that Daniel’s progress with his play skills and comprehension became so rapid after one month on the diet that they had to change his goals on a weekly basis in order to keep up with his progress.  It was also noted that Daniel began to gain language very quickly, greet people spontaneously, respond to and comment on his environment, engage with others, and make eye contact.  Gorman says that she believes “whole heartily that he made progress not only because he really benefited from one-on-one intervention, and some strong sensory integration input, but also the dietary intervention” (Gorman).



Participant # 3: Medical Professional: Pharmacists View on GFCF Diet


Works Cited 

Longo, Christopher. "Participant #3: Medical Professional: Pharmacist View on GFCF Diet" YouTube. Web. 18 Apr 2011. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDIi75nY7uw>.

Chris is a licensed pharmacist who received his doctorate (Pharm D) degree at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. He worked in retail at CVS pharmacy and recently switched jobs. Currently, he works for a drug company called Enclara Health. The purpose of this interview was to find out (from a medical perspective) whether or not Chris believes that the gluten and casein free diet helps to improve the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. Chris stated throughout the interview that there is no evidence in literature that proves this diet to be effective. Even though this diet could be beneficial for autistic children, Chris stresses that it is important for the parents to give their children the correct vitamins and minerals as an alternative if they are putting their child on the GFCF diet. Chris also discusses how there is no medication to treat autism, but the most effective treatment for autism is behavioral therapy. 

What is Casein?

Works Cited

McGuigan, Brendan. "What Is Casein?" WiseGeek. Ed. Nikki Foster. Conjecture Corp., 2011. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. <http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-gluten.htm>.

This article begins by defining the term casein as " a protein that is found in milk, and is “part of a group called phosphoproteins, collections of proteins bound to something containing phosphoric acid” (What is Casein?).  It then explains that there are two types of casein, which include “edible” casein and “technical” casein.  Edible casein is found in foods containing dairy, but it is also used in medicines and processed foods, “both for nutritional value and as a binder” (What is Casein?). “Technical” casein is used in everything from cosmetics, nail polishes, paints, plastics, and more. Lastly, the article notes that it is imperative for those trying to avoid casein to be sure to read the labels of any products that can be absorbed or ingested into the body because casein can be found in a variety of products that one would never expect to find casein in. 

Special Diet Doesn't Help Autistic Children in Small Study

Works Cited

Rubin, Rita. "Special diet doesn't help autistic children in small study." USA Today 20 May 2010, Print.

This article was presented in the newspaper called USA Today. It discusses how the diet of dairy and wheat products in autism has shown no significant improvements in the symptoms of autism. Susan Hyman, a pediatrician, who led a study of diet and autism states, “subsequent studies have not confirmed this to be true”(Rubin 1). Even though there are still many parents and teachers who are convinced that there has been improvements in autistic children when they stop eating these foods, it has not been declared. Hyman believes that “behavioral therapy, not their diets, deserve credit” (Rubin 1).

The study that was examined in this article was done over an eighteen-month period and consisted of fourteen children, ages 2 ½ to 5 ½. The family members of these children stuck to a strict diet that was free of gluten and diary products. Once the children had been on the diet for four weeks, they were “challenged” once a week with a snack that contains wheat-flour or non-fat dried milk. Professional dietitians created a snack that looked and tasted the same whether or not they had gluten and casein in it. Parents and teachers observed the children’s behavior and completed a survey regarding their behavior. This survey was completed before and after the snack. The findings showed that there were no negative changes in the children’s behavior after they ate the snacks that contained gluten and casein.


"GFCF Kids Diet Survey"  


Works Cited

"The GFCF Diet Intervention - Autism Diet." GFCF Diet. The GFCF Diet.com, n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2011. <http://gfcfdiet.com/dietsurveysept2.htm>.
       

This is an article about a survey called the “GFCF Kids Diet Survey,” which is an internet based survey used to gather information about dietary intervention such as a GFCF diet, for patients on the autistic spectrum. This article explains that many researchers are working to find the possible link between “incomplete breakdown of proteins (identified by the abnormal presence of opiate peptides found in urine samples), and several kinds of health problems hitherto classified as "mental." Among these problems are Autism, Pervasive Development Disorder (PDD) and Asperger’s Syndrome.” 

The survey was designed so that researchers would be able to collect as much information as possible on the diet, and then analyze the data in an effort to shed more light on the possible connections.  The survey consisted of two questionnaires, called the Main Survey form and the Infringements Experience form. The three basic questions asked in the survey are: “
What percentage of respondents get better on the diet, how much improvement can there be, and how fast does this happen?”  In addition to those questions, the survey also asks questions such as, “Why do some patients get better results than others? What are the similarities and differences between those who do well on the diet, and those who don't?” The article also discuss the various aspects of the survey, such as the methods used, the surveys reliability, as well as the specific questions included in the main and infringement questionnaires.  

The conclusion of this survey suggests that although the results are from an informal survey, they indeed support the belief that dietary intervention “can be a valuable treatment option for some people with autism spectrum disorders, and in some cases, may lead to the complete reversal of autistic behaviors.”  The results also suggest that ”time” is one of the most crucial factors in this diet, meaning that a patients success has a lot to do with the patients age at the time the diet was implemented.



The Gluten and Casein Free Chart

Works Cited

"The GFCF Diet-Who Influenced you to Try it?." IAN Community . Web. 25 Apr 2011. <http://www.iancommunity.org/>.


Throughout our research, we found that this diet was very popular with parents who tried to seek possible treatments to help their autistic child. We were curious as to how various parents learned about this diet. The IAN (Interactive Autism Network) Community created a chart about how parents were influenced to research the GFCF diet. 

 

Participant #2: Medical Professional: Developmental Psychologist's View on GFCF Diet 


Works Cited

Vanderbeek, Coleen "Participant #2: Medical Professional: Developmental Psychologist's View on GFCF Diet" YouTube. Web. 22 Apr 2011. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESXizaonE_0&feature=related>.

Coleen is a developmental psychologist who specializes in autism spectrum disorders. She currently works with outpatients at the Division of Mental Health Services in Hudson County. Coleen is able to diagnose individuals as well as treat patients who have developmental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. When she does not work, she conducts group meetings that autistic adults/adolescents can attend. Some of the treatments Coleen provides for her patients are applied behavior analysis (ABA), play therapy, functional behavioral assessments, and parent child interactive therapy (PCIT). During the interview, she discussed the barriers that autistic children face and how gluten and casein effects these specific children. She states that this diet alone does not cure autism. Children are also reciving services, such as academic, therapeutic, speech, ABA and other services. These aspects greatly contribute to the difference in behavior. She states, "the GFCF diet is worth trying, especially if the autistic child has a gluten allergy." However, Coleen feels that researchers do not know enough about autism to show that this diet could be effective. 
 

Leaky Gut Syndrome

Works Cited

Weil, Andrew. "What Is Leaky Gut?" Dr.Weil.com. Weil Lifestyle, LLC, 2011. Web. 22 Apr. 2011         
    
In this article the author discuss  a term called “leaky gut,” which is described as a condition that affects the lining of the intestines and is commonly found in autistic children. Research suggests that leaky gut syndrome is caused by damage of the intestinal lining, which makes it very difficult for the body to properly digest certain foods. The result of this damage causes bacteria and toxins to leak into the bloodstream, triggering an “autoimmune reaction, which can lead to gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal bloating, excessive gas and cramps, fatigue, food sensitivities, joint pain, skin rashes, and autoimmunity” (What is Leaky Gut?).

In the past, leaky gut syndrome was not considered to be a real condition, but the author of the article, Dr. Weil explains that that “evidence is accumulating that it is a real condition that affects the lining of the intestines” (What is Leaky Gut?).  He also explains that a colleague of his who deals with this condition in children has “established that a significant percentage of children with autism have increased intestinal permeability, but it's not known whether this is the cause of an affect of food sensitivities and an underlying metabolic problem”(What is Leaky Gut?).  If the information of leaky gut syndrome is in fact true, then I can certainly understand how a condition such as this can cause autistic children to experience developmental delays.



Participant #1: Parent of a Child with Pervasive Developmental Disorder

Works Cited

Yocum , Jennifer. "Participant #1: Parent of a Child with Pervasive Developmental Disorder." Home, Marlton, New Jersey. 04 april 2011. Address.

“Can a gluten and casein-free (GFCF) diet really help to improve the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders?”  In order to answer this question, we interviewed a woman named Jenny, who is a mother of two, and has a great amount of experience with the gluten-free diet. Jenny as well as her daughter has tried this diet. Her daughter was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder called PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder), she was placed on the diet back in 2006 for a six-month period. 

Though this was a rather lengthy interview which consisted of a great deal of information (explaining both the positives and negatives of the GFCF diet), the outcome, in short, was that she did not see any significant improvements in her daughter’s symptoms of PDD.  Jenny was not all that surprised by this, since she had previously been warned (by others who have tried the diet, as well as medical professionals) of the strong possibility that the diet would make no difference in her daughter’s symptoms.  Though she had already been told that the diet was not a guarantee, she had also heard many success stories from other mothers who swore by it, as well as a few doctors, who had heard of quite a few people who had success with the diet.