Autism and the special diet

A report in the January issue of Pediatrics is gaining widespread attention because it discredits several special diets that have come into vogue as treatments for autistic children.

Among the champions of these gluten-free, casein-free diets is celebrity Jenny McCarthy, whose son is on the autism spectrum.

I've talked to several parents in Mankato who have opted for special diets for their autistic children to help combat the indigestion and stomach pain that are often (and quite curiously) associated with autism. I've talked to teachers and professionals who agree the diets are helpful, if not near-magical. My mother, a special education teacher who specializes in working with autistic teens, believes the diets could represent a breakthrough in autism treatments.

But the panel of doctors who authored the Pediatrics study do not agree; their main assertion being that gastrointestinal problems are not more prevalent in autistic children. Anecdotal evidence, however, from teachers and parents of autistic children implies the opposite - that there is, in fact, an autism-specific stomach ailment often called "leaky gut."

For me, this debate hits close to home. My son has a developmental delay that often mimics the symptoms of autism.

During a specially convened clinic with a panel of area professionals, my wife and I asked about the efficacy of these special diets. It was then we were told by a very well-respected pediatrician in this area that there is no evidence the diets work to begin with.

Who's right?

I'm certainly not sure. But as the medical and educational professions continue to grapple with this mysterious affliction, this debate about special diets is sure to continue.