Some children with autism have an immature or problematic digestive system and are unable to break down the complex protein chains found in wheat (gluten) and/or dairy (casein) products. 

This sort of gut distress can cause array of symptoms, and your child may have only one symptom or could have several. These symptoms are clearly associated with a gut problem. In addition, your child may be experiencing additional symptoms that he or she is unable to communicate to you.

When gluten or casein is present in your child’s diet and symptoms are not recognized, he or she can feel miserable and display a variety of difficult-to-handle behaviors.

Other behaviors have been found to be related to diet and can include:*

• Rigid food choices – eating 10 or fewer foods
• Rigid food rules – requires certain routines to eat
• Pica (eats non food items)
• Pallor, shiners under the eyes
• Delayed milestones for language, socialization or motor skills
• Difficulty potty training
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Cracked, peeling or dotted nails
• Difficulty focusing and paying attention

* Courtesy of Judy Converse, MPH, RD, LD, over 7 years experience working with special diets for autism.

If you observe any of these behaviors in your child, consider altering his or her diet immediately.

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When gluten or casein is present in your child’s diet and symptoms are not recognized — he or she can feel miserable and display a variety of difficult-to-handle behaviors.