Is Gluten Harmful for Children on the Autism Spectrum?

Over the last 20 years, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have, unfortunately, increased really rapidly.

It is now the fastest-growing developmental disability, which is affecting about 1 in 88 births, or around 50,000 children yearly.

Parents, psychologists, and neurologists are working hard to find ways to support these children.

The use of a gluten-free diet for autism is debated in the medical community, with most studies showing no clear benefit.

However, some parents believe that a diet which consists of cutting out gluten and dairy has helped their autistic children.

While celiac disease could be a factor in some cases, there are opinions that going gluten-free  is highly unlikely to improve autism symptoms.

Let’s dive into the details and see if gluten really is harmful for children with ASD.

What is Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of developmental disorders with different symptoms in each individual, like social and communication challenges, repetitive behaviors, and sometimes, cognitive delays.

The autism spectrum includes the following:

• Autism
• Asperger syndrome
• Rett syndrome
• Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD)
• Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)

With that in mind, there is no cure for autism altogether, but there are effective treatments that can help improve symptoms, and these include behavioral therapy and medications. Some parents also try the gluten-free and casein-free (GFCF) diets, which are similar to the diets used for celiac disease. This raises questions about the possible connection between these two conditions.

Is a Gluten-Free Diet a Good Choice?

Transitioning to a gluten-free diet is becoming quite popular across the United States, as some children show improvements in speech and behavior when gluten is removed. This prompts a lot of parents to heavily consider adding gluten-free products in their children’s diet.

Many children with autism experience gastrointestinal symptoms, but until recently, there hasn’t been much research on the link between autism, gluten sensitivity, and celiac disease.

A very specific study was conducted on this matter that looked at children with autism and their siblings without autism of the same age bracket. Then, researchers tested for antibodies to gliadin, a protein found in wheat gluten and other grains that can trigger immune responses in sensitive individuals.

The study found a link between autism and increased gluten sensitivity. Children with autism had higher levels of the IgG gliadin antibody compared to their siblings and unrelated healthy children.

Gluten Sensitivity & Brain Connection

Scientists think that autistic children might be more sensitive or allergic to food with gluten and casein (a milk protein), since there is a strong link between GI issues and autism severity. Biochemical tests also show higher levels of gluten proteins in the urine of people with autism.

This leads to the belief that when gluten peptides aren’t fully broken down and are absorbed excessively, they might affect opiate receptors in the brain, worsening autism symptoms.

Outside the autism community, more people are aware of gluten sensitivity and celiac disease, with estimates suggesting 6-50% may have gluten sensitivity and 1% have celiac disease.

Gluten is hard for our intestines to digest, which can cause the following health issues:

• Inflammation
• Damage to the gut
• Malnutrition
• Neurological issues

10 Symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity

There might be a connection between autism, gluten sensitivity, and celiac disease, a gluten-related autoimmune condition. Medical research suggests a link between autoimmune conditions, like celiac disease and autism, especially among mothers with autoimmune conditions and their autistic children.

That said, gluten sensitivity can manifest in various ways, leading to a range of symptoms that include:

1. Fatigue
2. GI distress such as abdominal pain and bloating, gas, queasiness, acid reflux, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea
3. Depression, irritability, listlessness, and emotional instability
4. Brain fog
5. Joint pain, tingling, or numbness in the legs, arms, and hands
6. Weight loss or weight gain
7. Headaches/migraines
8. Acne, eczema, and other skin rashes
9. Hair loss
10. Hashimoto’s disease and other autoimmune disorders

What is Next?

Conducting a diagnosis on gluten-related health issues, a blood test called the celiac panel can be very helpful as the first next step. This test detects 4 antibodies that are produced by your body in response to gluten. It is best to talk to your primary care doctor to schedule gluten testing or consult professionals at the local ABA therapy center as they deal and treat ASD patients with great effect.

Another way to test for gluten sensitivity is by eliminating all gluten from your diet and checking your health progress. If your symptoms improve after cutting out gluten, it’s likely you have a sensitivity.

Some people see quick improvements, like reduced gut pain, while others with severe sensitivities or celiac disease may take 6 months to a year for their small intestine lining to fully heal.

Summary

Autism can be challenging for families and it is completely natural for parents to explore dietary changes to support their children. While there is a lot of interesting research on gluten’s impact on the immune system in some children, it is too early for definitive treatment strategies.

If your child experiences digestive issues common in autism, your doctor can suggest potential causes and treatments. Consider testing for celiac disease if it runs in your family and your child shows symptoms.

Currently, there is no specific test for non-celiac gluten sensitivity. So, if you are considering a gluten-free diet for your child, discuss the diet’s pros and cons with your healthcare provider.

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