Jump to content
Sign in to follow this  
goodmummy

Lactose /Gluten intolerance

Recommended Posts

Since the program 'My family & autism' people keep telling me to try a gluten dairy free diet.My son (nearly 4) has pasta and cheese alot ,like alot of children.He doesn't show any signs of a physical reaction .eg no diarroah, sickness,headaches.Occasional constipation -but then he never eats any vegetables .I am wondering if these sort of symptoms are always attached to an intolerance.

People seem to think that if I managed to stop him eating this diet he would suddenly lose his anxiety, be calm, stop hitting and tantruming.

I did go & get gluten free pasta, flour and made cakes & bread but he wouldn't go for it and ate nothing quite happily.Its hard to get him to eat at all alot of the time he just isn't all that interested.Seems to be getting bigger everyday though!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I saw the program and hav taken an interest in this for a while.

 

Readingup on the issue suggests that it can have excellent results wit some cghildren and littel or no effect with others.

 

We haven't tried it yet, mainy because our AS son (6) is very fussy about food, and if we took away all bread, pasta etc. there would be very little left. It's something we would like to try in the future though.

 

Simon

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello,

My son, who is now 13 and autistic, has epilepsy. I noticed he had more fits after weekends when he spent all his time drinking milk and eating yogurts. He went on to a gfcf diet two and a half years ago. It was very hard work at first but it has made a significant change to his epilepsy in that his fits have significantly decreased. I don't honestly think it has made any difference to how his autism affects him, he was never troubled with gut problems of any sort, but I know of many parents who say the change in diet has made a big difference to the behaviour of their children. You have to prepare yourself for starting this with your child as initially it is very hard work, but so many of the supermarkets are now more geared up to gfcf foods. I use Sainsbury and Asda - I live in Leeds - and there is a brilliant health food shop not too far from us. I have to admit that if I didn't get DLA for Joseph I probably wouldn't be able to afford it.

 

Bye for now,

Susan :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My son (11) has always been a very difficult eater and his diet consists mainly of bread and variations of bread (toast, crumpets, pancakes, muffins,pitta bread etc). When I first read about the GFCF diet, I convinced myself that he was addicted to gluten and that he why he wouldn't eat anything else but having discussed this with both his physciatrist and dietician, they were both very sceptical and I haven't persued it any further. He has AS but thankfully only mildly and although his behaviour can be difficult at times and his eating problems exasperating, we're ticking along quite nicely at the moment. As the last message said, if I was to remove gluten from his diet, he would be left with virtually nothing to eat and with no physical symptoms, we've decided to let him eat and be happy than not eat and cause more stress for the whole family.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello again,

I was trawling the internet, as you do, and came across "aspire", a site giving support to those who have a member with asperger syndrome in the family in Eire. In the section that talks about autism, there is another section entitled AS and diet. It makes interesting reading and takes the debate a little further. The website address is www.aspire.irl.org/diet.htm

 

Susan

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I too looked at the GFCF (Gluten free, casein free) diet in detail - partly after seeing the same TV programme, but also because it is recommended strongly by some people.

 

I'm concerned that the diet would be a HUGE upheaval, and before I go to such extreme lengths (bearing in mind that 2 of my 3 kids are very fussy eaters) I'd like to see some scientifically-based evidence. I looked at the University which is currently researching this, on this URL http://osiris.sunderland.ac.uk/autism/

 

I was very interested, but not convinced enough - I guess I'll just keep aware of this.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi all,

I found this site by accident but am pleased I have. My son is in the process of being diagnosed with aspergers apparently the waiting list for a referral to the next stage is about 20 months which to me is a long way off. I am trying to deal with my sons asperger symptoms if you call them that through trial error and a lot of patience which I must admit runs short daily. It is hard work all round.

 

The thing that caught my eye was this section though, lots of you with children who are fussy eaters or don't eat veges. My son will eat an odd arrayment of food. He hates veges and fruit except for apple and orange juices, its the texture he hates. He can prolong meal times for hours till the foods gone cold or even sneakier hiding it behind things or even cheekily binning it. And then he will eat ardennes pate by the tonne.

 

I thought at first yes he had a few problems but having lived with them for years it has kind of become the normal that I have to a certain degree believed that everyone was like it, you know fussy eating, grumpy, tantrums, quiet etc. just thought it was the norm, now I realise that there is a difference. My son who is 7 years is a whiz at maths but reading very slow. He has word finding difficulties but is pretty bright in other ways. He thinks everyone is his friend and his collections of pebbles and stones is out of this world. He will write with both left and right hands and so far has been seen by occupational therapist, clinical and educational psychtherapists, speech and eating therapists, Drs... you name it I have battled with his school who are only after 2 1/2 years are starting to understand him before he was a problem child who was always the naughty child or lazy or I was the neurotic mother trying to interfere with running of the school. Now they are slowly accepting that my son has problems and that I am a so called problem who won't go away. I would often pick him up from school to find him in tears because he hadn't spelt any words correctly in the weekly test he hadn't been given a sweet as reward, he was the only one left out he had tried but it just didn't happen so I went in and told the teacher that he was not a lazy boy it was just that he had problems and she was out of order for treating him that way, this also being a school supposedly who was one of the top 250 schools in the times listings. This being the school who followed a healthy eating policy of allowing children only to bring in fruit for playtime snack something that my boy wouldn't touch they eventually and very begrudgingly allowed him to bring in raisins in a little box yet he is penalised as he has to eat them in the classroom alone whilst everyone can eat in the playground. And while parents coming to collect their children openly smoke and leave their cigarette butts all over the playground....

 

Sorry if I am waffling on suddenly I feel as if the flood gates have been opened up... but I will stop now except to ask what is the program about the eating habits, which diets are there do they work, how do I get my boy to eat and put on some weight, he looks a little bony and trousers for his age just fall off him.

thanks in advance.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
My son will eat an odd arrayment of food.

how do I get my boy to eat and put on some weight, he looks a little bony and trousers for his age just fall off him.

.

ksasnic, you're a kindred spirit!!

I have this problem with my son, too. The range of foods he will eat is very limited,caused by textures, I'm sure, and it's getting smaller all the time. His food of choice is fish. Trout, salmon, sea-bass, you name the fish, he'll eat it! Meat is a different matter, it's too chewy for him I think. I have to literally sit over him to get him to eat and trying new foods is usually pointless, as even if I get him to put it in his mouth, he either swiftly spits it back out or throws up!!!! :rolleyes:

Your son's school sounds a little...harsh, shall I say?

Why, exactly, is he ostracised for eating a box of raisins? Unless I'm mistaken, they fall into the category of fruit, do they not?

:angry:

And why, if they're sooo very health conscious, do they reinforce the idea in kid's heads that sweets are marvellous things by dishing out confections as a reward for good work????

That's it, I'm fizzing now!!!! :frustrate:

Do dieticians work, or would Caghal be better off seeing a specialist, do you all think? Like ksasnic, I'm floundering with Caghal's eating habits. He's so thin that if he has a gastro-intestinal illness (which he very frequently does- at least 7 times a year, and before school it was a monthly thing!!) he ends up looking like a victim of starvation! It really upset his last classroom assistant, he looked so ill and emaciated on return to school.

Help!!

Esther x

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Esther,

Leon is the same. He only likes pasta with tomato sauce, rice, chips, fishfingers. He doesn't like vegetables or salad but at least he started recently to eat apples without me having to cut them for him...He is 11 in MAy and still chokes when eating apples from time to time and starts pannicking when it happens. He forces him self to eat more healthy, because he knows he needs vitamines. He is very interested in the human body which is a good thing.

Leon is a VERY slow eater. Has this something to do with Asperger? We had a few problems with the dinner ladies in the past who told him off for being so slow. (He is slow in everything basically, is this tipical?) I think they have to finish their meal in 10 minutes or so which sounds very unhealthy to me.... :(

 

Maria

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello everyone,

 

Two days ago I took Daniel to see an independent OT for an assessment. I was interviewed by the OT who asked me a number of questions. Apart from the verval questions, I was also provided with a questionnaire - some of the questions below were included in that questionnaire. I'm unable to remember them word for word, but I think I've managed to provide quite an accurate version of them.

 

*Does your child like/dislike having his hair cut?Does your child, scream out loud when someone cuts his hair?

*Does your child like/dislike going to the dentist?

*Does your chid like/dislike wearing some types of clothing?

*Does your child have a particular preference of clothing?

*What is your child's appetite like?

*Is your child a fussy eater? (I answered that Daniel wouldn't eat any red meat, fish and fruit)

*Does your child only like certain food based stuff ?(I answered chicken and potato based food stuff)

*Does your child crave for certain food stuff?

*Are there any foods which would make your child 'gag'?

*Are there any foods which have a strong smell which your child has a preference to?

*Is your child having any problems with P.E?

*Would you consider your child to be clumsey?

*Does your child participate in any group or individual sports?

*Does your child have a hand preference, e.g. throwing a ball from one hand, but batting the ball with the other? (I answered that Daniel writes with his left, but would always use the right-handed mouse for the computer)

*Does your child prefer to walk around the house without any shoes/socks on?

*Would your child like/dislike walking on the beach without any footwear on?

 

Everthing was rated on a scale basis. I have to be honest and say that the odd question didn't apply to Daniel, but huge majority of them did.

 

I've been told that the above questions relate typically/are found to be in profiles of AS/ASD individuals because they seem to have more 'higlighted' senses than the NT individual.

 

Hope this helps,

 

Helen

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I have to be honest and say that the odd question didn't apply to Daniel, but huge majority of them did.

Yup, sounds like Caghal alright!!! :D

To get his diagnosis, Frank and I went through gazillions of questionnaires. It felt like every time we went to the psychiatrist, we had another one to fill in. In fact, it didn't just FEEL that way, it WAS that way!!! :P

She has only observed/spent time with Caghal on 3 occasions, but that was sufficient for her to say, 'Yes, he's on the spectrum!!'

I thnik I'm going to ask for a referral to a child specialist in eating disorders. Caghal is soooooo thin and pale, I'm worried about him. He could and would take supplements, but as there's a questionmark hanging over their effectiveness, I'd much rather he could work through his problems with food.

As to the P.E. thing, Caghal is v. clumsy but not dyspraxic (I made sure they checked this out, O.T.'s, psychiatrist, the lot!)& he absolutely abhors group activities.

In fact, it was his complete refusal to take part in group activities at playgroup, aged 2, that really rang alarm bells as to possible ASD with me. I consider myself fortunate that we went into a fair bit of detail regarding autism during my childcare course, otherwise I would have thought him obstreporous instead!

Thanks, Helen and Maria! By the way, 10 mins. sounds like a pretty tall order to finish your grub in to me!!!

Esther x

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm a bit amazed about how there is knowledge, research, and tons of benefits and results with the gfcf diet-and how people are not acting on it immediately! I wish I would have done it before I actually did. My son was addicted to these gluten laden foods also, which is proof that these things are harmful to them, it's considered a sign, but anyway, I was terrified that my boy wouldn't eat anything because he was finicky, plus, he didn't like that much anyway, so I was worried that he would lose weight, be hurt, or whatever. The diet was difficult to learn about and difficult to administer and I was very stressed about it, for days to weeks it seemed. But now, we are doing wonderfuly. My boy did struggle for several days, didn't eat much and cried over his favorite foods. It hurt me to watch this, but I knew that it was best, that we were working on something majorly better, and that's what got me through it. Now, we are doing wonderfuly, people were right, he does eat many other things now and his diet has become sooo much more healthy...so my advice to those that are unwilling or not ready to implement the diet to their kids (how can I say this without sounding horrible?) shame on you-there's not reason you should not even experiment with it, yeah, it's scary at first, but just how much are willing to do for your child, how far are you willing to go to try to do everything you can to make him better-do it now, because I've seen a huge and wonderful change in my son, I actually see a little boy now whenever I look into his eyes. I had my doubts about it too, but sooo amazingly glad that I had the courage to go through with it (I"m a single mother, so it's just us) Don't be lazy, it's the very best and most important thing you can do for everyone in your household!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Cristy

 

Welcome to the forum. I hope you find it useful, I know I do.

 

I've often thought about the GF/CF diet, but like you say, I'm too lazy to try it out. Shaan, my 4 yr old is such a finicky eater & so skinny. At the moment, all he likes are dairy products & bread/rice/pasta. He rarely eats vegetables or fruit and I think if I cut the things he will eat, what's left?

 

Also I rarely cook and when I've tried to cook healthy dishes in the past, having spent ages doing so, Shaan has refused them, which is discouraging. There's nothing worse then lovingly preparing something, only for your child to refuse it!

 

Kris, Elefan & Nellie

 

If this isn't already there, can I please ask that we have a special thread for GF/CF recipes, so people like me have one point of reference. I would like to see easy recipes on this so people like me can be encouraged to try this out.

 

Gita

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Cristy!

Nice to meet you!! ;)

For me, it's not a question of being lazy, I'm worried about what Caghal will eat if I remove bread/pasta/dairy from his diet. He exists on it!!

We have tried out gf bread and pasta, but even though I hadn't let Caghal know the food was different, he knew and refused it!

Also, I'd rather have him tested for intolerance first, as I don't really see the point in doing this and upsetting him if it's going to make no difference.......our Doc. is looking into this for us.

Cristy, how did you get your son to eat other foods? I know my son, and he would rather starve than eat some things....lots of things, actually. The only thing gf/lf he will eat are soya puddings.....they actually taste like custard so they're a winner. But they are the only one!

We have to bear in mind that the children of members here have varying degrees/severity of ASD's....changing diet might be an awful lot easier for some than others........Personally, as a single mum of two boys, and on benefits for the time being, I also have to worry about the costs of food...even the gf biccies are rather costly!! :tearful:

If you have any tips on implementing the diet, Cristy, I would truly appreciate them as this is such a sticking point for my son trying it out.......help!! :pray:

Esther x

Edited by pookie170

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Sorry...I don't want to start a row, but I don't think it is fair to label people 'lazy' who don't try this diet.

 

Mostly people on this forum are careful not to make accusations about the choices other parents have made for their children.

 

My son was put on an exclusion diet (which ultimately was gfcf) by his consultant when he was 6 or 7. We followed it religiously for a year, and it was ultimately inconclusive...he was also extremely unhappy on this diet.

 

If diet changes work for your particular child then that is great. But, all our children are different, and different things can work for different people.

 

I for one do not believe that this diet is a 'miracle' for all children, but as I say if it works for your child then I am really pleased for you.

 

But please don't assume it is right for every child, or that parents who choose not to follow it for various reasons are being 'lazy'.

 

Bid

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Gita,

 

Regarding the recipies,....if someone wants to start such a topic, then please go ahead. We can then 'pin' it, like we have for topics such as 'Top Tips' (or whatever it is called)!! Now I really am lazy,...cos I am not changing pages/screens to find out what that topic is called exactly!! :D

 

As someone who has had to experiment with diets, owing to my girl contracting an intestinal disease, I can confirm how difficult it is to impliment and stick to, especially when you have other siblings who don't need the same restrictions.

Something to ponder (and possibly playing devils advocate), is that I found out that my little girl learned to tolerate most things in moderation with the help of homeopathy. It took time, but with regular hour long consultations and changing 'remedies' we saw a vast improvement, behaviourally and with tolerence to foods. She remains like this. I don't have her on a restricted diet anymore. Though she is fussier than ever now!!! Doh! :tearful:

 

Sometimes we parents are at 'overload' stage. So many idea's, recommendations, and advice to follow. Only so many hours in the day! And very often, it is a case of priorities. I do know that the people I have met here are the most inspirational folk I have come across. So deserving, but having to use up all of their energy and resources on taking on the system. I hope you all get the success you deserve, from whatever you try. We all try our best.

 

Bid,..have a hug >:D<<'> , I know you're having a really hard time of it. One for Jester too,..and you, Auriel!! :wub:

 

Elefan

xx

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks Elefan,

 

It's my friends on the forum who are keeping me going...plus their collected wisdom about all things statementy!

 

Bidx

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

oh yeah, my son did have a very difficult time and didn't want any other foods besides the bread, chicken nuggets, fries, and especially mac and cheese (double whammy), I became sooo afraid because of this and wanted desparately not to make him cry, it's so heart breaking to watch your son cry for something that he loves and not able to understand why he can't have it..so I tried to counterattack it any way that I could-trying to make stuff for him-play games-anything to distract his mind from what he wanted...this went on for days-weeks, but I had to be strong for him because my hope was soooo great, plus I had to prepare myself for failure as well, so that was hard...but anyway...

 

I bought a book online that had a list of foods, drinks, candy...that had no gluten or casein in them already...which helped tremendously to shop, and these are the things that my son eats regularly...that is, after passing that sad slump, I promise you that he fought and cried with me over his foods, and I worried sooooo much, but think about it like this, if you are starving-you'll eat anything won't you? My son had no choice but to eat SOMETHING, and that happened to be only whatever I provided for him, that may sound a bit aversive, but then again, isn't a spanking...I'd be glad to start a thread with a list of foods that we use...

 

as for Bid's reply, I didn't mean to offend, I get carried away with others in my boy's life being lazy, I certainly do not want to assume everyone else is and didn't mean to come across that way

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Cristy,

 

Please do start a topic on recipies! :pray: There will be many people who would be interested in reading/trying them.

 

Sounds like it was a really trying time for you and your boy. I imagine that some children are almost addicted to certain foods, often craving what they are intollerent of. So, perhaps they go through very real withdrawal symptoms. Glad you have the benefits now though.

 

Welcome to the forum!

 

Elefan

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes, it is like an addiction (which is why it is usually the foods they eat most which are the problem ones). Some children will eat shampoo or carpets in their quest to get some gluten!

 

We saw a good Doctor locally who has a special interest in diet and autism. My son was 10 then, and he looked for certain signs (eg: black circles under his eyes). He said he could see no strong indication that he was intolerant to gluten or casein, and that it would be hard to change his diet at that age.

 

However, from my own experience I am sure that overloading him with gluten or casein does not do him any good.

 

I have given up cheese, and then recently wheat, and it was hard at first (I was craving them) but after a few weeks it didn't bother me at all.

 

My friend has three children who are coeliac, so she does this all the time. She makes her own cakes and bread. If you find the right gf/cf products they are nice to eat, but some of them are not.

 

Karen

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
Sign in to follow this  

×
×
  • Create New...