How to Control Autism With a Diet

Autism is a condition that affects nearly 1 in every 1,000 births nationwide and a neurological disorder that can be treated through behavioral, medical and speech therapy, according to Marissa Lippert, a registered dietitian. People with autism can suffer from several symptoms depending on the severity of their condition. Recently, there has been a connection made between diet and autism.

Things You'll Need

• Gluten free foods
• Casein free foods

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Instructions

• 1

  Consult your doctor. Before making any rash dietary changes first seek medical advice. Some of the diet options can take up to six months to show any effect while others can start helping immediately. It is best to know these things to create a realistic expectation.

• 2

  Start substituting foods gradually. A sudden change of diet can cause stomach upset and illness. Such a dramatic change could upset the autistic person emotionally as well.

• 3

  Replace your gluten-based foods. They act as allergens in many autistic people. They can even act as toxins disrupting their central nervous system. Avoid foods with wheat, barley, rye, spelt and oats. Processed foods and food colorings can also contain gluten; so read the labels carefully.

• 4

  Replace your casein-based foods. These are your milk-based foods, so most dairy products will have to be replaced with alternatives. Keep in mind that some soy-based products can still contain casein so check labels. Casein can affect the nervous system of the autistic person as well as the neurological and behavioral functions.

• 5

  Maintain the diet for at least six months. This will allow for the slow substitution of foods as well as time for all the gluten to leave the system. Fortunately casein leaves the body at a much quicker rate.