| Many parents of children with autism and | | | | milk is necessary for a child's health. However, |
| associated spectrum disorders have been | | | | that are lots of healthy children who thrive |
| investigating the effects of gluten and casein free | | | | without cow's milk. Eliminating milk/dairy products |
| diets for their children. Some parents report that | | | | from a child's diet is a concern for many parents. |
| dairy products may cause behavior problems in | | | | What does the child do for calcium? Children |
| children with autism who have a sensitivity to | | | | between the ages of one and ten require |
| casein. Parents also report that children with | | | | approximately 800-1000 mg of calcium a day. If a |
| autism experience an improvement in symptoms | | | | child, who is not eating dairy products, drinks |
| following removal of casein which is a protein in | | | | three 8-ounce glasses of fortified rice, soy or |
| cow's milk and cow's milk product. Parents who | | | | potato milk per day, he would meet that |
| put their children on a casein-free diet are | | | | requirement. There are also many milk substitutes |
| committed to eliminate all dairy products from | | | | on the market. A parent can check for varieties |
| their child's diet. The diet is not easy for the | | | | that are calcium-enriched. Soy milk contains |
| parents or for the child. The diet must be strict. | | | | protein and is a good option for some, although |
| The parent must inform schools, relatives and | | | | many children, who cannot tolerate dairy products |
| neighbors that the child is on a special diet. The | | | | are may also be intolerant of soy. |
| elimination of casein in a child's diet is difficult to | | | | A doctor who specializes in autism or an |
| implement but many parents report results in the | | | | experienced dietitian can help guide parents of |
| child's behavior including changes in eye contact, | | | | children who have autism. Finding a physician who |
| social skills and language development. | | | | understands autism and food sensitivities is the |
| Americans have been raised to believe that cow's | | | | key! |