Special diet does not help kids with autism

A popular autism diet free of cereal grains and dairy products did not improve symptoms in children, shows a small study reported at the International Meeting for Autism Research in Philadelphia. Still, many parents and teachers say they've seen improvement when children with autism stop eating these foods. But, Hyman says, behavioral therapy, not their diets, might deserve credit.

The scientists say theirs is the most tightly controlled autism diet study so far. They tried to ensure that their subjects were as similar as possible, cutting the chance that factors besides diet would affect symptoms. Fourteen children with autism, ages 2½ to 5½, completed the 18-week study. None had celiac disease, in which the lining of the small intestine is damaged from gluten, or milk allergies. Their families stuck to a strict diet free of gluten — proteins in wheat, rye, barley — and casein, the main protein in milk and other dairy products. After they had been on the diet for at least four weeks, they were "challenged" once a week with a snack containing wheat flour, non-fat dried milk, both or neither.

Parents, teachers and a research assistant completed standardized surveys about their behavior the day before they received the snack, then two hours and 24 hours afterward. Parents also kept a diary of their children's diet and their sleep and bowel habits. The researchers assessed social interaction and language by watching taped play sessions. They found no adverse changes in behavior after the snacks containing wheat, milk or both.

The lead researcher admits, "This is a small study. Families will continue to try the diet, and that's OK." But, she says, they must ensure their growing children receive adequate nutrition. Pamela Compart, co-author of The Kid-Friendly ADHD and Autism Cookbook, calls the study "clean and well thought out." But, says Compart, a pediatrician in Columbia, Md., who trained with Hyman, researchers may have seen behavioral changes if they had looked 72 hours after the snacks or if they also had eliminated soy from kids' diets. "If you're able to keep them well-nourished, I think it's worth every child trying it," Compart says of the special diet. "People would not stay on this diet if they didn't think it was working."

Bonnie - a tiny study to receive so much attention. The other huge issue is that one is unlikely to see any noticeable improvement in behavior after removing grains and dairy for at least three months to one year. In addition, most experts know that any challenge of this nature should not occur until after two months of removal, not one month.