Biomedical intervention for autism: Encyclopedia II - Biomedical intervention for autism - Restrictive diet

Biomedical intervention for autism - Restrictive diet

As a result, biomedical intervention usually starts with a restrictive diet, such as the gluten-free, casein-free diet. Typically, foods will be restricted in a particular sequence, for example by eliminating:

1. Dairy products - both casein and lactose are considered problematic
2. Gluten, including grains such as wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt, etc.
3. Eggs, nuts, and berries that often provoke allergic reactions in children
4. Fruits and vegetables that contain salicylates, phenols, and other substances that may cause a reaction
5. All artificially colored food, i.e., the Feingold Diet
6. All bi- and poly-saccharides, such as lactose, fructose, starch, etc. (the Specific Carbohydrate Diet)

Parents report varying success with these diets, and combinations of them. Some have seen a complete recovery simply from eliminating milk; others need to eliminate salicylates or phenols to reach a tipping point; others have found a workable, effective diet in the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. Others report no benefit from a restrictive diet at all.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Restrictive diet", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki