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

Most times when patients most times when parents present to my office with a child who is on the autism spectrum they have already tried the gluten free casein free type diets.D.A.N.! Defeat Autism Now! is by far the largest “alternative medicine”  organization available and forum on the Internet and this  is a big part of their protocol. GFCF is one of the mainstays of their program.  The gluten and casein sensitivity and its association with autism spectrum disorders is fairly common. Logically a GFCG  diet would follow. This is a big part of the Biomedical treatment approach that parents come across in their search to help their children. This link has a nice article on how to get started with the GCFC diet as well as a link to a list gluten-free items.  http://glutenfreequestions.com/ask-gfq-how-do-i-start-the-gluten-free-diet/

Pear upside down cake. This looks delicious. Easy instructions, nice pictures and great taste. Enjoy!!

http://afewshortcuts.com/2009/10/snackurday-pear-upside-down-cake/

Many times I find gluten free recipes and the like on various sites related to gluten free diets or cooking but not specifically related to those on the autism spectrum. Here is a nice site with different post, options and information relating  to children and celiac disease, gluten sensitive. Not specifically for autism spectrum kids but there are  plenty of things you might pick up from this site. http://celiacchildren.com/rt-delightgfmag-get-back-issues-of-delight-for-a-limited-time-on-our-website-read-more-from-our-twitter-friends/

Bonefish is one of my favorite restaurants whether my party is eating gluten free or not. The twin lobster tales are my favorite. My son Steven loves the lobster also. Lately, the menu has been less expensive reflecting the economy. I have been able to find them in most cities as they are part of the Outback chain. In fact, this Labor Day weekend we were in Daytona Beach and ate at Bonefish. So go out and enjoy a meal out or give a gift certificate to a family that has a child on the autism spectrum that you know is on the gluten free diet. If your child is able , this is a nice night out. http://www.examiner.com/x-15655-Columbus-GlutenFree-Food-Examiner~y2009m8d30-Glutenfree-dining-at-Bonefish-Grill

If you do not like seafood, perhaps you like italian food. Here is a link with some suggestions at Maggiano’s. We all need a break. if your child and buget can handle it, here are two fairly available (location ) and delightful options.

http://www.glutenfreehomemaker.com/2009/08/maggianos-restaurant-gluten-free.html

This  one is gluten free, casein free, soy free. Enjoy!

 http://gingerlemongirl.blogspot.com/2009/07/sweet-vanilla-blueberry-scones-recipe.html

 A lot of gluten free info and a nice uplifting success story with a cute video.

.http://glutenfree.brighterplanet.org/gluten-casein-free-diet/recovery-from-autism-through-the-gfcf-diet-4-months

There is a new social networking web site for gluten free dieters that functions like face book. Share recipes, stories and frustration. The web site seems to be geared toward celiac disease but gluten free is gluten free. It has blogs and forums. It has events listed in different cities around the country. The emphasis doesn’t appear to be on the Autism Spectrum but I am sure you can find ideas here to make your life easier.It really looks like a good place to get some gluten free info. Here it is  http://www.glutenfreefaces.com/

In my opinion, the gluten free diet is brutal but it seems everyday it is getting easier with all the new sites and recipes.

http://tried-and-truecookingwithheidi.blogspot.com/2009/07/bodacious-sugar-free-gluten-free.html

1. “Deland Bakery,” makes a “Millet Zucchini Bread”, and “Millet Cinnamon Raisin Bagels” that are both pretty good, especially when toasted, and with a casein free butter.
2. “Organic Smart Balance” Whipped Buttery Spread…very good.
3. “Tofutti” is a great alternative to Ice Cream, and comes in a lot of different flavors.
4. “Red Mill” makes a variety of mixes: Pancake Mix, All Purpose Baking, Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix, Brownie Mix, etc. and all are pretty good.
5. “Quinoa” make some pretty good pastas.
6. “Glutino” makes some very good cookies.
7. “Tropical Source “and “Sunspire” makes some very good casein free chocolate, and goodies like chocolate covered raisins, etc.
8. “EnerG” makes great gluten free crackers.

So there you have it from a mom that has lived it for over 6 years. And in the sharing spirit of this blog told me “I really hope that this list might help even just one person, as a little bit of a guide, especially in the beginning…I sure wish I would have had it back when I was reading the millions of labels…’