Autism: Communication and Diet

Communication is not always an easy task given the complexity of the condition and
the common lack of understanding of social cues and interaction.

However, there is one step you can take that may provide some
help to increase communication and understanding...

And with all the "hype" about Jenny McCarthy's book it probably
doesn't surprise you to hear that dietary choices can make a
difference to the life of some with autism and the lives of those
around them.

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But why is diet so important?
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Certain dietary choices can have really positive effects on autism
behaviors, reducing many symptoms and for a small number of children,
some behaviors may disappear altogether.

You can find out more here:

www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com

So while it's not a cure, the potential benefits are very high.

The reason diet can play such an important role is because there's
evidence that 70-80% of people with autism have abnormal levels of
substances similar to opioid peptides in their urine.

These chemical compounds have been named for their similarity to
morphine.

Opioid peptides can be produced by the body when certain foods are
eaten and digested and can cause disruption to the normal function
of the brain.

Casein is one of the substances in foods that is a concern -

It has been shown to break down in the stomach into casomorphine,
a substance that has opioid properties.

Casein is found in Cows milk and other milk products as well as
being added to non-dairy foods in the form of caseinate.

Gluten, found in wheat and other grains, is another food that during
the digestive process is thought to have potentially negative
effects on a person with Autism.

These potential harmful effects have prompted many families to
introduce gluten and casein free diets for their children with
varying degrees of success.

Some parents' report improved eye contact, less digestion problems
and better behavior, like Jenny's son. However, other parents have
found a change in diet doesn't make any difference at all.

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How do you know it will work for your child?
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Well to be honest you don't know without trying.

Following a gluten and casein free (GFCF) diet takes dedication and
time.

There are many processed foods that contain both these compounds so
avoiding them is challenging.

Also it can take up to 6 months for the body to totally eliminate
gluten, so patience and perseverance is required.

If this sounds like a treatment you would like to try for your child
and are interested in learning more there is a comprehensive list of
foods to avoid and foods to include in a diet designed for someone
with autism in my downloadable ebook, The Essential Guide To Autism.


You can grab your copy here:

www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com


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Is there anything else?
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Yes, your child can also begin taking a number of medications to
help manage Autism behaviors. Your doctor should be able to
recommend suitable drugs.

However, before you decide to go down the route of medication, be
sure you fully understand the following:

- The medication's purpose
- How you are going to be able to tell if the medication is working
- Possible side effects to the medication
- Possible side effects should the medication be stopped i.e.
withdrawal.
- Interactions the medication may have with other drugs, both
prescription and over-the-counter

There are also plenty of natural and alternative treatments you can
use and we'll cover these in a later newsletter.

Autism is a complex condition, and treatment options are unique to
the individual.

Thanks for reading, and I will be back with the alternative
treatment therapies for Autism real soon.

www.Essential-Guide-to-Autism.com