Autism being caused by allergies? You heard right. Recently researchers have begun to believe there may be a stronger link here then what once was thought. Since autism itself is relatively new in being given a name, it makes sense that this possible link is as well. With the increase in both allergies and autism recently it is no wonder a link is considered.
Allergy induced autism is most commonly seen in children who have regressive autism, or autism that doesn't make its first appearances until around the age of two. The children prior to this point show no autism signs only to suddenly appear with behavioural and neurological issues along with digestive system issues ( typically associate with issue arising from the inability to properly digest casein and gluten).
These two food proteins are rather common. Casein is found in milk and is actually one of the main proteins contained in milk. Whereas, gluten is food in wheat and grains as well as being a food additive. Due to the issues arising within autistic or autistic spectrum disorder children, an elimination diet or one that does not contain these proteins is often advised to minimize the severity of the autism. The child that have issues arising from these proteins are unable to digest them normally. Instead of going through the digestive system they are absorbed into the blood stream causing a morphine type high. This morphine type substance produces by-products which appear in the urine of autistic children ( one possible way of testing for autism). This is also the cause of the spaced out look many autistic children may have and why they become obsessive with eating foods containing these proteins, they are literally addicted to the high their body produces from these foods.
With the digestive system issues it is quite common that autistic children have high levels of chemicals within their blood and systems that their bodies are not effectively passing through as a normally functioning person would. The build up of these typically minimal chemicals can cause further issues, as like with everything moderation in foods is key and the build up in their systems can be disastrous.
In most children, the signs and symptoms of autism have appeared or will appear by the time a child reaches 3 years old. A reduction or elimination of culprit foods from their diets are essential for the child's best potential outcome. This is where elimination diets and casein and gluten free diets arise. Parents are trying their best to minimize the effects autism will have on their children's future outcome.
Allergies and autism are most likely linked. As you have seen many foods can cause potential issues when consumed by the autistic child and even cause addictions to the high caused by the food. If you feel your child may have a problem with casein or gluten contact their doctor who can test for the byproducts in their urine and advise from their. With you assistance and diligence you can minimize the bleakness of your child's future.
