Gluten-free, casein-free diet

Many parents of children with autism have found that a gluten-free casein-free diet helps their children. According to the theory, some children are unable to digest the protein in many grains (gluten) or in milk (casein) completely. The partially digested proteins resemble opiates and are treated this way in the brain. This can have many damaging effects on the developing brain. Individuals needing gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diets often crave these foods much the same as an addict. Some people experience immediate improvement although it may take as long as three months for gluten to clear out of the system and one month for casein to clear.