yes there is. autism is generally considered to be an immuno-GI issue of sorts. Gluten is just bad for you, its the result of overly processed grains. (any further info is not decided as a consensus yet). An intolerance to a food creates cravings. your mind and body react to your system. I'm in the same boat, had I more money he'd have been entirely gluten free years ago, but its tricky to get them off gluten without starving them!!!! check into paleo diets and the SCD lifestyle, I've found it to be the answer to getting this kid off his favourite foods and not hurting him in the process, or even getting a behaviour challenge.

Yes, because the chemical structure of gluten, casein, and soy protein is similar to opiates like morphine. I absolutely believe that our kids get addicted to the "highs" that these proteins cause in the brain and that is why they reject other foods. As soon as I got the problem ingredients out of DD's diet, she became much more willing to eat a variety of foods. I was super-nervous about going GFCF but it was the best thing I could have done to solve her picky eating :-)

It definitely has to do with Americans diet, many crave carbs not just kids with autism. We make almost everything from scratch. Chicken nuggets are easy to make gluten free... Crunch up rice chex. Once gluten and casein are removed often times their "tastes" change. When the foods are removed that make them feel yucky, many times they are able to try new things.

Yes, kids that are "allergic" to gluten will crave it. Logan only wanted to eat bread (of any kind) and drink milk, both of which aren't good for him. We switched to potato mil and now I use rice flour to make his bread. He loves the bread and baked goods I make now but it was hard at first.

my son is consuming his first new menu item that contains vegetables in 4 years!!!