Autism and a Dairy-free Diet

Many parents of children with autism and associatedmilk is necessary for a child's health. However, that
spectrum disorders have been investigating theare lots of healthy children who thrive without cow's
effects of gluten and casein free diets for theirmilk. Eliminating milk/dairy products from a child's diet
children. Some parents report that dairy productsis a concern for many parents. What does the child
may cause behavior problems in children with autismdo for calcium? Children between the ages of one
who have a sensitivity to casein. Parents also reportand ten require approximately 800-1000 mg of
that children with autism experience an improvementcalcium a day. If a child, who is not eating dairy
in symptoms following removal of casein which is aproducts, drinks three 8-ounce glasses of fortified
protein in cow's milk and cow's milk product. Parentsrice, soy or potato milk per day, he would meet that
who put their children on a casein-free diet arerequirement. There are also many milk substitutes on
committed to eliminate all dairy products from theirthe market. A parent can check for varieties that are
child's diet. The diet is not easy for the parents orcalcium-enriched. Soy milk contains protein and is a
for the child. The diet must be strict. The parentgood option for some, although many children, who
must inform schools, relatives and neighbors that thecannot tolerate dairy products are may also be
child is on a special diet. The elimination of casein in aintolerant of soy.
child's diet is difficult to implement but many parentsA doctor who specializes in autism or an experienced
report results in the child's behavior including changesdietitian can help guide parents of children who have
in eye contact, social skills and language development.autism. Finding a physician who understands autism
Americans have been raised to believe that cow'sand food sensitivities is the key!