New Study: Special Diet Doesn't Help Autistic Kids

(May 20) -- A special diet believed to assuage symptoms of autism doesn't actually help, according to a new study of a small group of children suffering from autism spectrum disorder.

It's the latest in a lengthy list of research suggesting that the eating regimen, which is used by the parents of an estimated 27 percent of kids with ASD, is ineffective.

The diet eliminates two common dietary proteins: casein, found in dairy products, and gluten, which is a key component of grains like wheat and barley.

Advocates for the autism diet think people with ASD don't properly digest casein and gluten and are then exposed to toxic byproducts from the compounds, which leak into the bloodstream and enter the brain.

The study evaluated 14 children ages 2 to 5 who were diagnosed with ASD, which includes Asperger's syndrome, autism and other related conditions. It's likely the most controlled evaluation of the autism diet to date. All the participants were enrolled in intensive behavioral therapy for 10 hours a week in an effort to control for differences in their symptoms.

Each participant was also put on a strict diet for 18 weeks.

Four weeks into the trial, some of the children were given "challenge" foods, which contained either gluten or casein, to see if the items triggered symptoms.

The research team, parents and teachers all monitored the children for behavioral changes. In addition to the social difficulties characteristic of autistic kids, those with ASD can suffer from bowel problems and poor sleeping habits.

But despite the diet's popularity, researchers noted no difference between kids given challenge foods and kids who stuck to the strict diet.

"It would have been wonderful for children with autism and their families if we found that the gluten-free, casein-free diet could really help, but this small study didn't show significant benefits," Dr. Susan Hyman, the study's lead author, told Reuters.

The "autism diet" is yet another example of the alternative-treatment efforts being touted among parents of autistic children. Others include vitamin supplements, hyperbaric chambers and acupuncture.

At least one expert wants to see the diet explored more fully, especially based on anecdotal reports from parents who say the eating style made a significant impact.

"Some parents would say six months to a year [is needed to notice changes]," Dr. David Mandell, associate director of the Center for Autism Research at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, told WebMD.

Mandell wants to see a long-term study that compares kids on the autism diet with those eating normally, rather than using occasional challenge foods. Meanwhile, on autism message forums around the Web, parents say they've seen the results of the diet firsthand -- and they'll stick with it.