Hey there. I have a 9 year old that hasn't been formally diagnosed, but he has Autistic tendencies. With me being on a gf diet due to other health problems; my kids have been eating a lot more gluten free. I have to say, I've noticed a significant difference with him when I'm home more and can control his diet with mine. He also seems to "ask" for the gf stuff more. Not sure if that means anything; but I really think it is that he feels better. I also have a cousin that has a son that is Autistic; and his gf diet is really helping him at only 3 years old!

From everything that I've read about autism and the gf cf diet, you must commit 100% or you will not see the results you are looking for. It can take up to 6 months to remove all traces of gluten in your child's body if he is on a strict gf diet. And honestly, there is no such thing as a partial gf diet. You either are gf or you aren't. I think that once you get the hang of the gf diet, you'll find that it's not as tough as you thought, and there are so many good gf foods out there that you shouldn't have to feel like he's missing out on anything. Honestly, if he's pretty young, he won't remember what life was like before he went gf and hopefully, you'll see some of the changes you've been looking for.

I have an 18-year-old son who was diagnosed with autism at the age of four. I have struggled his whole life looking for ways to help him while refusing to medicate him. About two years ago, I transitioned my family to an organic diet. Prior to that, my son only ate a handful of foods: chicken nuggets, french fries, pretzles, chips, pizza crust, anything dry and crunchy. His eating habits were nothing short of maddening. Initially, he had a difficult time when we went organic, (it was almost like he went through withdraw) but as I pulled him off of all the processed foods, he started to widen his food choices. He eats foods now I never would have exected. I just finished reading Jenny McCarthy's two books about her son and his recovery from autism. While still reading the book, I took my son completely off of gluten. It has only been two weeks since changing his diet, but I have already seen an improvement in him. He seems more "clear" and focused. I will continue keeping him on a strictly gluten free diet and would encourage any mother to try it as well. The first week is a little overwhelming, but each day gets easier and easier. However, I would strongly suggest going 100% gluten free. This lifestyle needs to be all or nothing. Good luck to you!

My son is also high functioning with autism. One of the main reasons he seems to be so high functioning is his diet. We have him on a gluten free and casein free diet. Every 6 months or so we try reintroducing gluten or casein and we notice a negative difference in his behavior within 24 hours. I highly recommend going 100% gluten free and suggest trying to eliminate casein if possible as well. It can be difficult at first to learn what products are okay and which ones are not okay. However, once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. You will automatically buy certain products and get into a routine. Good luck!

Hello-My son is also high functioning autistic. He has been gluten free for about a year now and I have seen quite a change in him. First his tummy troubles are almost not an issue at all. Also he seems to be much more out of his fog and doing much better at school.

I have a 13 year old just recently diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. She is in a constant "fog." So I am trying the gf/cf diet to see what happens! I have found many replacements for food at the healthfood store (i.e. chicken nuggets, pizza, etc.) So far so good! My grocery bill is very high. Making my own gf bread in my bread machine. Haven't found a really good recipe yet. Anyone have any or know where I can get one? I'm trying to find a restaurant that serves gf/cf pizza. None of the ones listed here are in my area. Do you know if Whole Foods will make gf/cf pizza?