Casein Free Diets?

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-10-2007
Casein Free Diets?
2
Mon, 08-20-2007 - 5:50pm

Has anyone had luck with a casein free diet? I started Andrew (11 more days until he's 3 Yay!!) on Rice milk because he hates soy, almond and whey. In the past 4 days he will point to the number 2 and will say 2, never did before. Will point to A.B.C. and says them as well. He also learned the number 7. I don't know if it's the flash cards or me saying 7 a billion times or getting rid of the casein.

He's still non verbal but will carry on a conversation (babbling) with his Woody Doll and thinks he's actually saying real words.

I'm still really new to this, Andrew diagnosed 3 weeks ago, head still spinning and just wondering if I'm wishful thinking he's getting better. I know wrong word for it, but my head hurts from saying 7.

any help would be appreciated.

Kathy

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-19-2005
Mon, 08-20-2007 - 7:38pm

Hi Kathy,

We have had success with dietary interventions. When Eric was a little guy, about 2 and just diagnosed, I took him off dairy (mostly due to his bm troubles, but I had heard a little about it helping ASD kids) and he had dramatic improvements in about a week. Took him off gluten and things improved even more. But my view is that he had these biological troubles--perhaps independent of his ASD. Even if he did not have ASD, he might still have needed the dietary stuff. When he felt bad, he couldn't concentrate and learn. When he felt better due to eliminating things that made him sick, he could learn and do better. I do not feel it is a "miracle cure" or that it is something all ASD kids need. Some do, some don't.

I actually think your son's babbling with Woody is a great sign! Eric didn't even have the idea of a "back and forth" conversation until recently.

I just started a blog where I am trying to put all the information I know about the diet from a mom's trial and error perspective. Feel free to go there and poke around. I just started it. www.gfcfmommy.blogspot.com I also have links to lots of other dietary information.

When you get there, look to the right for the "best of" area where I have listed some topics of interest to people starting out. I hope my blog doesn't overwhelm you. I just and trying to get a lot of information out, but also have a little fun too.

Let me know if you have nay questions. I am happy to help.

Katherine

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-10-2007
Mon, 08-20-2007 - 11:08pm

Hi Katherine,

I sooo love your blog! Your son The Prince is utterly fantastic!!! Give him a great big hug for being one of the coolest kids I've read about. Thank you for all of the wonderful info. I agree a cfgf diet isn't a cure all, but we've had some improvement so I think i will add the gluten free part now to our diet. Rock Star Andrew (when he's wearing my oversized glasses) has never had any bm problems, so I don't know if it's the casein free diet or me making him look into my eyes and repeating everything I say (or at least trying to repeat). I figure it can't hurt either way.

Thanks again for all of your help,

Kathy