Anyone have success with the Feingold diet?

bparkhur · April 2013

Hi Ladies,

I apologize in advance if this has been talked about recently (I scrolled back a few pages and didn't see anything). My son has a genetic condition that presents much like autism (very sensory-sensitive, language problems, problems with appropriate play, potty training, very OCD, etc).

Usually, he is a very sweet, mild-tempered boy. Over the past few months, his behavior has become basically unbearable. He can't sit still, he purposefully throws everything around the house, he's clumsy, etc. He literally can't stop. He has started screaming "no," throwing tantrums, and being generally unlikeable. He is in a public ESE preschool program 5 days a week. His teachers are concerned. He's fine for the first few hours of the day, but around 12 just as they are about to lay down for nap, he turns into a different kid. He yells at them, steps on other kids, hides under tables, laughs, etc. He never gets to take treasure at the end of the day because of his terrible behavior.

His behavior gets worse and worse as the day goes on. By the time I pick him up from after care around 4:30, it's unbearable. He gets upset when he sees me, tries to run away, screams "stop it mama" at the top of his lungs, and so. It's difficult for me to get him in the car holding my younger son and two bags. In fact, it's my least favorite part of the day.

I miss my sweet kid. I feel judged by other moms. I feel like an ineffective parent. Mostly, I want to my child to be happy and feel loved, and I want the time that I pick him up to be the happiest moment of my day, not the worst!

So, here's where my question comes in. What do you guys think about diet as a factor in hyperactivity, aggression, attention problems, and so on?

I started researching the Doris Rapp elimination diet because my MIL said it transformed my BIL's behavior when he was a kid (he is likely ASD, but has never officially been diagnosed). While researching Doris Rapp, I came across Feingold. I'm really interested in hearing about anyone's experience with either of these programs.

My son is FTT (about 29 pounds, he'll be 4 in June), Dr. says don't worry about his weight because my husband is skinny (whatever...that's another issue). Because he so sensitive to foods and such a picky eating I'm worried about completely changing his diet.

Anyway, just looking for ideas, feedback, experiences, etc.

Thanks for reading my novel!

kcisthebombdotcom · April 2013

Have you ruled out celiac disease yet? When you say ftt plus behavioral issues that's where my mind goes to. My daughter had some symptoms of autism like mostly self directed play, limited communication skills/language,lack of joint attention/social re

youaremysunshine79 · April 2013

Feingold has been life changing for us! Pre Feingold my DS had repetitive speech and behaviors, meltdowns lasting 1 hour multiple times a day, severe headbanging, limited eye contact, severe sensory seeking behaviors, waking up multiple times du