I know will have people attack me on the answer, and I understand that some people swear by the gluten-free. However, I have read more than one study, that says there is no evidence that gluten-free is helpful. If a child has digestive issues, then yes I can understand how it can be a good thing. But, if you're doing gluten-free just to do gluten-free because it's what many see has a cure all or the "in" treatment then I'm not sure it is the answer. I've spoken to my doctor about it more than once, and she said until she sees some medical evidence she's not going to recommend something that can be impractical and really expensive.
For everyone else out there, if this diet is more you and you can make it work for your child--go for it. I just feel like it isn't for my son because my son has continued to improve and make great strides without it. And, putting him on this diet would make him and everyone else miserable.

@A MyAutismTeam Member: I SWEAR by the diet for my son. He used to be very unaware of the world around him and very tuned out. We would call his name and he wouldn't respond. Now when we call his name he answers, his poo is normal so he is now potty trained, he doesn't have anger or sleeping issues etc. It is expensive, but to have my son "with us" is worth it. I'm sorry but in our case, the same Dr. who said the GF diet doesn't work, is the same Dr. who left my child undiagnosed for WAY too long! It is not a cure by any means, but it has helped my son a ton. I refuse to leave this planet without giving him every opportunity to succeed that I can. And the entire family has been on the diet for 2 years, none of us are miserable! If anything we are healthier and happier!

Mentioned Users

A MyAutis...

If the proponents of the GFCF diet are correct about the opiates theory, it won't be enough to just cut out the gluten. You really do need to cut out the dairy as well, and limit or avoid soy (our dr. says that soy lecithin is okay but others say to eliminate soy altogether).

My brother in law has Celiac. We have found that a lot of the GF stuff is crappy. We discovered that its much easier, cheaper, healthier, and tastier to make things naturally GF. Steak, mashed potatoes, green beans- naturally gluten free. Make things from scratch, experiment. It's at trial by error situation. Try to find a website with great GF recipes that people have created or found!

Just wanted to update on this. He's been gluten free for a month. He's doing fine. He's talking a little more in more complete sentences at times. He is making a little better eye contact and seems a bit clearer at times. Behavior wise we are still struggling with some of the same things. We aren't sure if the diet is helping or just all the things we've been doing are helping. Hard to tell. Thanks for all your suggestions about food as these answers have been helpful.