The cause(s) of autism are unknown, yet it has been suggested that peptides from gluten and casein may have a role in the origins of autism. There have been reports of abnormal levels of peptides in the urine and cerebrospinal fluid of persons with autism.

A gluten free/casein free diet is widely used as an intervention to improve behavior, cognitive and social functioning in individuals with autism.

Gluten is a protein that is found in all foods made from wheat, rye, oats and barley. Casein is a protein found in all dairy products.

The purpose of the Gluten Free/Casein Free diet is to eliminate all foods that contain gluten and casein from one’s diet thus eliminating intake of the offending proteins. This means that all foods made from wheat, rye, oats, barley and milk must be avoided.

Individuals consuming a gluten free/casein free diet are at high risk of becoming deficient in vitamins and minerals that are necessary for good health. Vitamins and minerals that are naturally found or are regularly added to these food products must be given in the form of a gluten free/casein free vitamin and mineral supplement.

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