Study: Gluten-free diets do not improve autism behavior
Source: CNN Health
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have concluded that recent reports (particularly prevalent on the internet) suggesting that autistic children should be fed gluten-free and casein-free diets do not have scientific merit. Due to the lack of definitive information about the cause of autism, many parents are desperate to try anything to alleviate some of the symptoms of the condition.
They have, consequently, been influenced by internet testimonials from parents who reported an improvement in children's health/behavior after switching them to gluten/casein-free diets. Researchers, however, found no behavioral differences among children in the study that had wheat, barley, rye and dairy removed from their diet as those who were given a placebo.