Is the GFCF Diet for Autism a Waste of Time?

Approximately 1/100 children are affected by Autism. The Gluten Free/Casein Free Diet, which is considered a major alternative treatment for Autism, was studied by Dr. Susan Hyman; a researcher from the University of Rochester Medical Center. The study is to be presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research in Philadelphia. Dr. Hyman “did not find an effect on behavior in response to challenges with gluten and casein in children with autism but not GI disease.” The study was 18 weeks long and introduced a challenge after 4 weeks. Behavior issues such as language, social, sleep and gastrointestinal that are commonly associated with autism were addressed. Observers were asked to look for changes although they did not know if the children were given a true challenge or a placebo.

Dr. Nelson Mane D.C., who treats patients on the autism spectrum with Hemispheric Integration Therapy as well as Functional Medicine/Biomedical treatments said, “Looking at the study critically it was too small as only 14 children were involved. The challenge or reintroduction of gluten or casein was termed a snack and may have not been adequate as a challenge. The time period of 18 weeks may not have been long enough as many proponents say the effects of gluten can last up to 6 months.  We test for an IgG or immune response to Gluten and Casein and have found a good response when these test are positive otherwise we may not recommend this particular diet. In the end, critics of the diet need to realize that although the diet can be hard to implement and at times expensive it does no harm. Physicians first do no harm. We have seen many parents report considerable progress on the GFCF diet especially if their child tested positive for an IgG reaction which makes this treatment option more specific. In the end Autism is multifactorial and you have to find what is going on with each individual child and it is different form child to child.”

Dr Nelson Mane is a chiropractic physician certified in both chiropractic orthopedics and neurology. He has sub specialty training in childhood neurobehavioral disorders as well as vestibular disorders and electro diagnostics. He was one of 11 doctors out of 60,000 chosen by the American Chiropractic Association to start the first Chiropractic neurology board back in 1989.Dr Mane is a D.A.N (Defeat Autism Now) doctor. He is considered a pioneer in the use of Hemispheric Integration Therapy for the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders. For more information regarding Dr. Nelson Mane and his unique approach combining functional medicine with Hemispheric Integration Therapy go to www.Hitautism.com.

For more information about Dr. Nelson Mane, D.C. and his treatment approach for ASD go to http://www.manecenter.com/ADHD.htm.

Dr. Nelson Mañé, D.C., D.A.B.C.O., D.A.C.N.B., F.A.C.F.N., F.A.C.O.

Mañé Center

1602 West Sligh Avenue Suite 500

Tampa, FL 33604

Tel. 813.935.4744

Fax. 813.931.1427

Email: DrMane@manecenter.com

Website: www.manecenter.com