In order for me to get an overall idea of our research topic and question, I decided to find an article that provides general information regarding autism and diet.
Autism and Diet- What are the Effects?
By: Rachel Evans
http://www.essential-guide-to-autism.com/blog/2006/06/28/autism-and-diet-what-are-the-effects/
(If you would like to see the article, click on the link above)
This article is geared towards parents who have autistic children. It explains how one of the least known ways to manage autism is through a specialized diet. Evans points out “there is so much ongoing research into autism from the scientific and behavioral standpoint that dietary factors are sometimes overlooked or just ignored” (1). Conversely, parents of autistic children have observed a strong connection with both diet and autism.
Researchers discovered that certain autistic individuals might have trouble processing gluten and casein. Wheat, barely, and oak is where gluten is found. Casein is found in dairy products and is a type of milk protein. What I found very interesting in this article is that it explains why these food components could be a potential problem. “The breakdown of these foods in the body causes opiates to be produced, so in essence, children with autism can become addicted to these foods containing these proteins”(1). As a result, just like an allergy of a particular food, the behavior can be affected as well. Before reading this article, I was unsure about the reason why gluten and casein were so dangerous. Now I understand that it is due to opiates being produced in the body, which leads to an addiction of the food.
The author, Rachel Evans, really stresses to parents that it is important to take note of what their child eats. If children are eating dairy and wheat products on a daily basis it could be a sign that their body is having a difficult time processing the food, which could lead to the child craving more of these foods. Several reports have been found about autistic children have making dramatic improvements after eliminating gluten and casein out of their diet. Evan points out that it is better to eliminate one source of food at a time so the child does not notice such a big change. Parents also need to make sure they read every label on foods because there could be gluten and casein in a food product that is not noticeable. Trying a gluten and casein free diet is not an easy task for both the parents and the child. However, children will learn that their new diet is not so bad and will eventually accept the change. After reading this article, I have realized that this diet is not an easy process, but it seems like could be very beneficial in the long run for the child with autism.
Autism and Diet- What are the Effects?
By: Rachel Evans
http://www.essential-guide-to-autism.com/blog/2006/06/28/autism-and-diet-what-are-the-effects/
(If you would like to see the article, click on the link above)
This article is geared towards parents who have autistic children. It explains how one of the least known ways to manage autism is through a specialized diet. Evans points out “there is so much ongoing research into autism from the scientific and behavioral standpoint that dietary factors are sometimes overlooked or just ignored” (1). Conversely, parents of autistic children have observed a strong connection with both diet and autism.
Researchers discovered that certain autistic individuals might have trouble processing gluten and casein. Wheat, barely, and oak is where gluten is found. Casein is found in dairy products and is a type of milk protein. What I found very interesting in this article is that it explains why these food components could be a potential problem. “The breakdown of these foods in the body causes opiates to be produced, so in essence, children with autism can become addicted to these foods containing these proteins”(1). As a result, just like an allergy of a particular food, the behavior can be affected as well. Before reading this article, I was unsure about the reason why gluten and casein were so dangerous. Now I understand that it is due to opiates being produced in the body, which leads to an addiction of the food.
The author, Rachel Evans, really stresses to parents that it is important to take note of what their child eats. If children are eating dairy and wheat products on a daily basis it could be a sign that their body is having a difficult time processing the food, which could lead to the child craving more of these foods. Several reports have been found about autistic children have making dramatic improvements after eliminating gluten and casein out of their diet. Evan points out that it is better to eliminate one source of food at a time so the child does not notice such a big change. Parents also need to make sure they read every label on foods because there could be gluten and casein in a food product that is not noticeable. Trying a gluten and casein free diet is not an easy task for both the parents and the child. However, children will learn that their new diet is not so bad and will eventually accept the change. After reading this article, I have realized that this diet is not an easy process, but it seems like could be very beneficial in the long run for the child with autism.