If you are interested in what you have read so far, you may be considering implementing the diet for yourself or your loved one. So, what can you expect to happen?

Well, understanding that when autistics (and a lot of non autistics too!) eat gluten or diary it stimulates the opiate receptors in the brain. Gluten (found naturally in wheat, oats, barley & rye) becomes Glutamorphine - a substance similar to herion, and Casein (animal milk) become Casomorphine - a substance similar to morphine. These substances induce a drug like state and the subsequent odd behaviours and charateristics. Those affected will have a high pain threshold, a general disinterest as they appear to be in a world of their own and so on - pretty much like anyone who experiences a drug hit.

Here are some interesting comments:

"Opiates hide inside caseine, the main diary protein. As casein molucules are digested, they break apart and release tiny opiate molocules, called casomorphines. One of these compounds has about one tenth the strength of morphine. The especially addicting power of cheese may be due to the fact that the process of cheese making removed water, lactose and whey proteins, so that casein is concentrated" healthdiaries.com

"The peptides from gluten and casein are important because they react with opiate receptors in the brain thus mimicking the effects of opiate drugs like herion and morphine" Dr Charles Parker

If you are in any doubt, science can back up this theory. We had our son's urine tested at a private hospital and the results showed high levels of morphine in his system. This information was enough for us to take the positive, healthy step of a pure diet and the results were incredible.

Our barely verbal son became talkative and interested in the world around him. His health improved vastly and the constant unexplained viruses, rashes, skin complaints and infections followed by heavy doses of antibiotics were no longer a part of our lives. His skin and the texture of his hair changed - it's common for autistics to have very coarse hair and a pale complexion with dark circles around the eyes. His tantrums and understanding improved, he is now a very easy going child with a good sense of humour and a lovely circle of friends. His apparent addiction to milk and subsequent comatoses/long sleeps at inappropriate times of the day stopped.

So, to answer the question 'What can you expect to happen?'

You will enjoy a healthy diet, a healthy body and a much healthier state of mind. Be warned that, as with any addiction, a small period of withdrawal may be experienced. This did not happen with our son but I do know of others who have experienced this.

Please read my next update in which I will give food suggestions and recipes and other tips.

Autism affects millions of people worldwide and is generally diagnosed during infancy or early childhood and affects speech development and social interaction. A number of treatment methods are used to alleviate symptoms including medication and speech and behaviour therapy. Lately, an increased awareness of the benefits of diet therapy has encouraged many families to consider nutrition and food in the course of effective autism treatment.
The allergy-autism connection

A number of medical research studies reveal the possible association of certain food allergens such as wheat and casein with increased levels of immunological antibodies in autistic children. Some research suggests that components of foods called “opioids” act as toxins in many autistics and disrupt their central nervous system functioning. High levels of wheat and casein antigens markedly affect neurological functioning and behaviour. Such allergenic foods may also promote digestive problems in children including diarrhea, constipation and vomiting. Diet therapy to reduce autistic symptoms generally involves eliminating gluten (a protein in wheat products) and casein (animal milk).

Dietary choices: eliminating gluten and casein

Often called the GFCF diet, a gluten-free/casein-free diet can be achieved slowly and steadily through basic changes in one’s diet and pantry. Before expecting results, most experts advise maintaining the diet for at least 6 months. This is how long it will take for the body to completely remove traces of gluten. Casein, on the other hand, leaves the body more quickly.

Wondering where to start and what specific foods contain gluten and casein?

Here are some tips for eliminating them from your child’s diet:

Casein-free products

Casein and milk-based products are frequently the first to go. Foods in this category include milk, butter, whey, cheese, yogurt, ice cream and other dairy products. Also be aware that casein may be found in non-dairy foods such as soy cheese and hot dogs. Read nutrition and ingredient labels and keep an eye out for "casein" or "caseinate." As a healthful alternative, try rice-based milks and cheeses or almond milk—most of these products are enriched with calcium and vitamin D. Providing your child with an additional calcium supplement is also beneficial for growth and development. For some children, soy products may not prove to be a good option as soy can also have allergenic properties and bears a similar structure to casein.
Gluten-free foods and liquids

Moving on to gluten, you’ll want to exclude products containing wheat, rye, barley, spelt and oats. Gluten is also found in a variety of hidden sources including processed foods, soy sauce, artificial colours, malt and malt vinegars, couscous, canned soups, and hydrolyzed vegetable protein to name a few. As with casein, take precautions and look for the word ‘gluten’ in ingredient lists to identify red flag wording.

How many gluten-free or casein-free products are there?

If you’re concerned that your fridge will be completely bare after removing gluten and casein, have no fear; there are an increasing number of gluten-free and casein-free products to choose from – my favourite supplier is Tesco! Moreover, there are numerous websites and online support groups loaded with useful information. Becoming accustomed to the diet and lifestyle changes (e.g. grocery shopping, cooking, baking) may prove to be the most difficult challenges. Follow your instincts and stick to fresh, whole foods—fruits and vegetables; lean proteins such as eggs, poultry, fish and red meat; starches like potatoes and corn; and whole grains such as quinoa, millet, amaranth and rice. For breads and baking, you’ll find many gluten-free flours including potato, chickpea, arrowroot, rice, almond, tapioca and corn. A number of food companies have introduced gluten-free pancake and cake mixes, pre-made gluten-free breads, cereals, snacks and much more.

What is Autism?
I have a young son who was diagnosed as suffering from Aspergers syndrome a few years ago. It was quite a struggle to have his condition properly treated and it was only through internet research and speaking to other parents that I was able to discover how important diet control is in treating this condition. A change in diet does not cure autism, however I have found through my experiences with my son that it makes a dramatic difference on their behavioural patterns. I am new to blogging but feel that this information should be shared and iI shall update every week with information that I hope will help other parents. My first blog is just a basic outline of autism and its effects. Please check back for my updates and I would be pleased to hear from any other parents in similar circumstances.

Autism is a life long developmental disability that prevents proper understanding of what is heard, seen and sensed, resulting in issues with social relationships and communication. Most autistics experience problems learning normal patterns of speech and communication. Many understand speech or gestures but are unable to reply in the same communicative way.

Charactaristics differ from person to person but usually include delays in language development including peculiar speech patterns and the use of words without attachment to their normal meaning toogether with a formal or monotone voice.

The autistic child often avoid eye contact, resists being picked up and appears to 'tune out' to the world around. This results in a lack of co-operative play, an inability to develop friendships and to understand the feelings of others. The autistic child may at times appear deaf and fail to respond, at other times however, they can become very distressed by everyday noises such as dogs barking or a vacuum cleaner.

The child may also display a high pain threshold, a lack of sensitivity to heat of cold or may over-react to any of these.

The majority of autistics have varying degrees of mental retardation with only 20% having average or above average intelligence.

A person with autism may perform repetitive body movements such as twisting hands, spinning or rocking. They may also display repitition of routines like the same order of dressing and may become distressed if these routines are disturbed.

Read my next blog to understand how I helped my son who suffers from Aspergers syndrome, yet leads a normal, happy and fulfilled life, despite a few minor problems