Autistic and ADHD Diet

Some parents of children diagnosed with autism and ADHD report positive results from feeding them foods free of gluten--a protein found in wheat and other grains--and casein, a slow-digesting protein found in milk. Scientific evidence of the effects is limited, but advocate organizations suggest that behavior in as many as 40 percent of children has improved on the diet.

Features

Toss out all wheat-based and dairy foods. Most kid-friendly foods, such as chicken nuggets or French Fries, are coated with wheat or wheat-based particles (for frying). To help your child reach nutritional needs, make sure you supplement with vitamins that she'd otherwise get from grains.

Theories/Speculation

Early research suggests that gluten and casein break down during digestion into compounds that actually impede brain development, according to the Interactive Autism Network. Because both the Autism Spectrum Disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are considered developmental and behavioral illnesses, many believe the compounds are either causing or aggravating the problem. In America, as many as 40 percent of families dealing with the disorders use a special diet, according to Autism Speaks.

Famous Ties

Television personality Elizabeth Hasselbeck, who co-hosts "The View" and was a contestant on "Survivor," has publicly discussed her gluten-free lifestyle. In 2009, she authored a book titled "The G-free Diet." Actress Jenny McCarthy praises the diet as well, saying it nearly eliminated her son's symptoms of autism.

Challenges

In 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration implemented a voluntary gluten-free label that means foods identified as such must have fewer than 20 parts per million of gluten. Still, because this is voluntary, parents must be cautious and read ingredients carefully. Eliminating entire foods from the diet can be difficult.

Support

Because so many parents are trying the gluten- and casein-free diets for their children, support groups in communities, and online, abound. Visit gfcfdiet.com for one such group.