| I have discussed in previous recordings about | | | | focusing problems. |
| gluten sensitivity and Celiac disease and the | | | | So a child could have a situation where they |
| differences between the two. And we've also | | | | already have too much serotonin and it is not |
| discussed how, for many kids with special needs, | | | | being converted to its active form. And then they |
| gluten creates peptides which are small amino acid | | | | are eating foods with gluten which is then also |
| chains, that can have a drug like effect on their | | | | stimulating an overproduction of serotonin in the |
| brain chemistry. Gluten can create a situation | | | | digestive tract which then gets absorbed into the |
| where serotonin is produced in excess in the | | | | body and circulates through the blood supply. That |
| digestive tract when it is not broken down | | | | scenario serves to contribute to the increased |
| adequately. | | | | pool of serotonin. This is one possible reason that |
| We know that serotonin is an influential | | | | children with Autism seem to be very sensitive to |
| neurochemical that affects mood and states of | | | | gluten. This issue really is very different from the |
| happiness but it also can be involved in learning. | | | | tried and true diagnostic tools used to assess |
| Many people are given antidepressants because | | | | people with Celiac disease. |
| they need help maintaining adequate levels of | | | | Food sensitivity can be very complicated to |
| serotonin in the brain. And for many children with | | | | assess and understand how these foods react in |
| Autism it appears that they create too much | | | | our bodies. But, one mechanism certainly is the |
| serotonin in the brain. Their brain cannot convert | | | | inability to breakdown gluten in the digestive tract |
| or process the serotonin to its active form to be | | | | fully. That incomplete breakdown can stimulate |
| used by the brain appropriately. When this | | | | serotonin production in the gut. And if there is a |
| happens, it can contribute to many of the | | | | problem in converting serotonin to its active form, |
| behaviors we associate with Autism like self | | | | then you have exacerbated that situation. For |
| stimulatory behaviors, obsessive compulsive | | | | many children with Autism, this is an issue. |
| behaviors, behavioral issues, and attention and | | | | |