Elimination diets

Elimination diets aim to remove specific foods, like gluten or casein, to assess their impact on autism symptoms, especially related to gastrointestinal (GI) issues, behavior, and sensory processing. The most common is the gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet, based on the theory that some children with autism may be sensitive to these proteins, potentially causing discomfort or behavior changes. In the case of diets restricting nutrients such as gluten, lactose, casein, and other elements, the benefit is only found when the person with autism suffers from a food intolerance or allergy. It is not possible to recommend the gluten free or casein free and/or ketogenic diet, or any other restrictive diet to individuals with autism based on the available evidence. A gluten and casein free diet involves avoiding all foodstuffs which contain gluten and casein. Following a gluten and casein free diet is not without risk. For example there are increased risks of an inadequate intake of nutrients such as energy, iodine, calcium and fibre which could cause weight loss and poor growth.