The way they basically explained it is that their kids' autism is kind of considered a gastrointestinal disorder

I'm skeptical - the link between GI and autism was pretty thoroughly debunked by a Mayo Clinic study earlier this year. (The study did say that some autistic children may have sensory integration issues that affect their eating habits, which can in some cases lead to diahrea and constipation, but the "leaky gut" hypothesis has no basis in reality.) eta link - [link]

Like, they have to alternate red meats daily to avoid an allergy from developing. Because their oldest ate so much chicken and turkey as a toddler, she can't eat them anymore because she's allergic. Cooking in their house sucks. They are gluten, sugar, and something with a "C" free. No soy, either.

And this reads like textbook bad internet science. I question their doctor's credentials.

They are gluten, sugar, and casein free. No soy, either.

I've read quite a few things about gluten-free diets leading to significant improvement in kids on the autistic spectrum. A friend from high school, and his wife, are raising his wife's nephew, who is on the autism spectrum, and they said that gluten-free is hard, but has made a huge difference just in terms of behavior/temperament.

A friend from high school, and his wife, are raising his wife's nephew, who is on the autism spectrum, and they said that gluten-free is hard, but has made a huge difference just in terms of behavior/temperament.

That's a good thing, and if it's working, I wouldn't question the reasons or the science, I suppose. But for the most part I remain skeptical about the recent urge to pin such a variety of issues on food allergies.

I'll admit, though I'd deny it anywhere else, that the "leaky gut" sounds fishy to me as well. The dietary changes (and medications) have made a huge difference in not just this set of friends, but another set as well.

But, not being the mother of any autistic children as yet, I don't know that I wouldn't hang onto anything if it gave me a reason as to why something was the way it was and had possibilities for fixing it. I tend to skew away from science when it's me or mine. Which is odd, to say the least, I know.

It's entirely possible that my friend's nephew is both autistic AND gluten-intolerant, and so the gluten-free diet has nothing to do with the autism as much as making the kid healthier overall, which would affect temperament.

I honestly don't know; I've only read a few articles and can relate only my friends' anecdata.

I'll admit, though I'd deny it anywhere else, that the "leaky gut" sounds fishy to me as well.

Leaky gut is a real condition; I imagine that it could exacerbate neuro-related conditions like autism (not *directly,* but by fucking up one thing, which fucks up another thing, etc., etc.), but I doubt that it can *cause* them.

t edit IANAD, just a crackpot who reads too much.

No - I'm glad you read this stuff cause I don't and I can ask questions next time and a) seem interested and engaged and b) speak without it being from my ass.

I might be expaining/understanding this all wrong. Neither set of friends are people I would call believers in "woo-woo medicine".

for the most part I remain skeptical about the recent urge to pin such a variety of issues on food allergies.

It's not even that recent - when I was growing up, I babysat for a girl who was "allergic" to a laundry list of food a mile long. Wheat/dairy/soy/eggs/etc. But when I asked about specific reactions to look for (expecting hives, throat closing up, you know - ALLERGIC REACTIONS) and where the epipen was, her mother patiently explained that when her little darling had wheat, she became very hyperactive. At which point I nodded sagely and continued to take her money.

I think I'm allergic to stupidity. That means whenever I'm confronted by the Stupid, I can hit it with a big stick, right?

At which point I nodded sagely and continued to take her money.

And this is why I love you.

But remember, I'm a lot older than you are. When I was growing up, they were practically smearing the school cafeteria with peanut butter and no one batted an eye.