A User Guide to the GF/CF Diet for Autism, Asperger Syndrome and AD/HD

FAB RESEARCH COMMENT:

Some people with Autism or related conditions such as ADHD and Dyspraxia appear to benefit from avoiding gluten (found in wheat and some other grains) and casein (found in milk and dairy products). Unfortunately there is not yet any reliable test for these kinds of food intolerances, so excluding the foods is the only way to find out if this may help a particular individual.

In our view, this should never be done without first taking professional advice, because gluten-free and casein-free (GF/CF) diets involve eliminating a great many common foods, and it is very important to maintain a balanced diet that still provides all the essential nutrients. Monitoring the effects carefully is also important to ensure that this is really worthwhile.

As the young author of this book explains, however, GF/CF diets do seem to make a positive difference in some cases - and this book provides some very useful recipes, tips and other information for anyone interested in trying this approach.

Synopsis

As the evidence increases that gluten free and casein free diets can really improve symptoms in certain developmental disorders, Jaqui Jackson decided to try it out with her sons Luke, Joe and Ben. Joe has AD/HD, Ben is autistic and Luke has Asperger syndrome.

In this book, Luke Jackson writes about his own experiences of being on this diet, "to let other people with AS know they are never too old or too "mild" to embark on this diet. It really can change peoples lives." Luke offers practical advice on topics such as what to expect when beginnng the diet, tips for how to alleviate any initial discomfort, through to advice on how to rearrange the kitchen to aviod cross-contamination.

The book includes a section on how Luke's mother copes with the challenges of cooking for such a large family, along with a selection of Luke's favourite recipes. The book also includes a list of useful addresses and websites of suppliers coupled with suggestions as to how to find more detailed references