Exploring Diet, Gut Health, and Autism Support

If you have an autistic child, you have likely heard of the benefits of a gluten-free and casein-free diet. The link between autism, diet, and the gut-brain connection has emerged as a captivating avenue of exploration, offering a new perspective on how we can support autistic individuals.

Over the years, dietary intervention has gained increasing attention as a complementary approach to support our autistic children. The gluten-free, casein-free diet (GFCF) has garnered particular interest, revealing notable improvements in mood, behavior, and overall well-being for some autistic individuals. While the exact mechanisms behind these changes are still being unraveled, researchers speculate that certain food components, like gluten and casein, may trigger inflammatory responses in the body. These inflammatory reactions can potentially influence the gut-brain axis, a communication highway that connects the digestive system to the brain.

However, it's not just the gluten-free and casein-free diet that shows benefits. Research shows that one of the most effective diets for autistic people is essentially the “paleo” diet with an abundance of healthy fats. This requires removing all grains and dairy products and includes meats, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and eggs.

As a parent, you may think implementing these diets is almost impossible, but by further understanding the "why's" it can be easier to process the change. This is where Dr. Sonya Doherty's article in Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine comes in.

Dr. Sonya Doherty is an international speaker and lectures extensively on biomedical treatment and the support of autism and other developmental disorders. As a member of the Treat Autism faculty, she trains other healthcare professionals in biomedical treatment. She is extremely passionate about biomedical treatment. She has been practicing for over 18 years and has treated thousands of children. Dr. Sonya explains everything parents need to know about the complexities of diet and why certain food choices are so important for autistic children.

In her article, you will find out
- Why it is important to remove grains
- Why it is important to remove dairy
- What are glutathione and glutamate

Dr. Sonya states, "I would like to share that a biomedical dietary intervention can decrease pain and discomfort caused by gut issues, improve brain function, reduce problem behaviors and improve sleep. Such benefits ultimately lead to more opportunities for communication, social interaction and learning."

As a parent, it's important to research the different supports available for your child.

Access Dr. Sonya's article in our article directory by clicking here.