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The GFCF Diet Hope for Parents of Autistic Children
By Alena Competello

Recently, interest in the Gluten Free, Casein Free Diet (GFCF), a dietary intervention treatment being advocated by both nutritionists and parents of autistic children, has increased. Although the GFCF Diet has not been scientifically proven to be effective in the treatment of autism, it has garnered tremendous support from parents and nutritionists who have seen positive outcomes first-hand. The GFCF Diet addresses the gastrointestinal symptoms that a large majority of autistic children face. 

According Judy Converse, MPH, RD, LD, many autistic children suffer from an imbalance of good bacteria in their intestinal tracts that aid in the digestion of food. To increase the diet’s effectiveness, Converse addresses this imbalance before introducing the GFCF Diet. In addition, the proteins found in gluten and casein operate as false opiates on the brain of an autistic child. Many believe that these proteins may be the culprits behind autistic behavior. When these proteins are eliminated from a child’s diet, the child experiences symptoms of withdrawal. The child is in fact “detoxing,” as the harmful proteins are removed from his or her system, Converse said. However, the detox effect, while unnerving for many parents, actually bodes well for success with the GFCF Diet, she added.

It is important to note that the GFCF Diet must not be implemented without the support and guidance of a nutritionist. In an effort to educate healthcare professionals about autism, its causes and possible treatments, Converse created a professional module entitled, “Nutrition and Autism,” to serve as a guidebook for doctors. Converse hopes that the module will bring pediatricians on board and provide parents with a “team approach” in facing autism head on.

As a nutritionist in practice for 15 years, Donna Gallagher, MS, RD, stresses the importance of step-by-step implementation of the GFCF Diet. Before a new diet can be introduced, the child’s current diet must first be “cleaned up.” Gallagher advocates removing all artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors from the child’s diet before beginning a GFCF regimen. Furthermore, children should be placed on a multivitamin. Gallagher also suggests the introduction of fish oil into a child’s daily intake.

 “Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to be lower in children with autism,” Gallagher said. “These fatty acids, found in fish oil, are the building blocks of the brain. It helps the brain work faster, improves concentration, memory and learning,”. Since gluten and casein are found in many foods, vitamin and mineral supplements are even more important after beginning the GFCF diet.”

The GFCF Diet is no easy task. Most autistic children are picky-eaters to begin with and many times their foods-of-choice contain gluten. Converse remarked, however, that many gluten-free substitutes are readily available. Many times, parents can switch to a gluten-free product without their child taking notice. Replacing dairy products proves a more difficult task. Generally, casein-free substitutes are noticeably inferior to their casein-containing counterparts. Fortunately, various companies offer gluten-free, casein-free products that are nutritionally complete and hypoallergenic. Converse uses such products in her practice with positive results. The products are well tolerated and make a child’s diet adequate in total caloric and protein intake, she said.

By removing the dangerous neurotoxins found in gluten and casein and providing adequate vitamin and mineral supplementation, both nutritionists have seen great improvement in their autistic clients, from greater concentration and verbal communication to more eye contact and increased ability in everyday functioning. However, both Converse and Gallagher inform parents that a child’s symptoms are likely to get worse before they get better largely as a result of withdrawal-like symptoms. Furthermore, autistic children are likely to be resistant to any change in their daily routine and are likely to become frustrated when certain foods are taken away. Introducing new foods is also a challenge. It is not uncommon for a child to refuse a new food at least a dozen times, Converse said. The GFCF Diet takes full dedication and great persistence. Converse tells parents to “buckle up” and get ready for a bumpy ride.

Yet, parents should not be discouraged. Gallagher’s advice to parents is to tackle the transition to a GFCF lifestyle in small pieces, so as to avoid becoming overwhelmed. By taking little steps over the long-haul, parents are more likely to meet with success, Gallagher said. As a parent, you are your child’s greatest advocate. With the help of professional nutritionists, you too may find success with a GFCF Diet. The proof is, so to speak, in the pudding.

Alena Competello is a freelance writer.