Casein-free diet

bliss611

I posted questions a few months ago about doing a casein-free diet for DS (diagnosed with ASD in Feb). I figured I'd post my experience in case it helps someone else.

So, I tried it. And though I didn't see any radical improvements like so many people have mentioned, I was so excited when 3 weeks into it I started to see some improvements. Mostly less anxiety during school drop-off and social events with friends. At the four week mark, I decided to do a milk challenge and no reactions. So I gave him more the next day and even more the day after. By the fifth day, we were almost back to a normal diet and still no issues. In fact I was seeing further improvements - better behavior at school, asking to go to birthday parties, etc

So, we are off the casein-free diet. My guess is it is the OT and ST that are working - much quicker and effectively than I would have expected (he's only been in therapy 2 and half months). I am very glad I did the challenge and we didn't continue the casein-free diet when it wasn't necessary.

My advice is to definitely do a challenge when trying an elimination diet.

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bliss611

I'm waiting to see a Dev Pedi before trying gluten free. Weight has always been a major concern for DS since he was a premie and small for gestational age. Being a picky eater on top of that, I'm afraid his nutrition and weight may suffer so I want some monitoring or help through that.

kcisthebombdotcom

bliss611 said:

I'm waiting to see a Dev Pedi before trying gluten free. Weight has always been a major concern for DS since he was a premie and small for gestational age. Being a picky eater on top of that, I'm afraid his nutrition and weight may suffer so I want some monitoring or help through that.

It's definitely a good idea to see a dietician. We had great success getting my dd to no longer be underweight through smoothies. We blend fresh or frozen fruit and veggie, hemp, and flaxseed together and stir it into kefir.

hopecounts

KC_13 said:

bliss611 said:

I'm waiting to see a Dev Pedi before trying gluten free. Weight has always been a major concern for DS since he was a premie and small for gestational age. Being a picky eater on top of that, I'm afraid his nutrition and weight may suffer so I want some monitoring or help through that.

It's definitely a good idea to see a dietician. We had great success getting my dd to no longer be underweight through smoothies. We blend fresh or frozen fruit and veggie, hemp, and flaxseed together and stir it into kefir.

Us too, smoothies are one of DD's favorite food options and we can sneak in all kinds of good stuff and she will drink it down like it's a milk shake.

changingnames

How do you explain to your kids why they can't have xyz when you are doing a gluten or casein or other exclusion diet? I have an autoimmune disease and am seriously considering doing the specific carb diet for myself and I see that it is talked about a lot in the autism community and on Defeat Autism Now etc so I figured if I'm doing it I might as well give it a go with my son who has pdd nos (with doctor's permission of course). But I'm not sure how to explain to him (he is 6) the why of it- why can't he have that Popsicle his friend is having and that he used to have with them?

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