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Gluten-free Greetings from Kimberly!

4 replies [Last post]
Kimberly's picture
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Joined: 04/16/2013

Hello everyone-

Kimberly here- mother of one amazing 11 year-old with autism. Keeping my son fed AND healthy has always brought its challenges, but I'm so excited to share with you how much life has changed for the better since going gluten-free.

Since I was a teen, I've tried to outsmart my genetics with diet. Heart disease and obesity run rampant in my family (my father died at age 40), which encouraged me to experiment vegan and vegetarian diets throughout my teens and adulthood. But it wasn't until I became a mother that I was faced with the biggest dietary wake-up call I could fathom.

As early as 6 weeks of age, my son (Andrew) had huge struggles with digestion- reflux and rashes were a regular occurrence. By the time Andrew was 3, he was diagnosed with autism. His behaviors had gotten so out of control, I left my career to research how to rescue my little boy from this rampant disorder. Nearly every success story I read about directed me to try a gluten-free, casein-free (GF/CF) diet for him. Reluctantly, I tried it.

Days passed, tantrums disappeared, health improved and sleep began to normalize. My son's diet was ABSOLUTELY impacting his behavior. The typical 3 hours of OCD related crying fits went from a daily basis to nearly non-existent, within a matter of weeks. His Speech and Language Pathologist reported, within the first month, my son's expressive language doubled. Proudly she encouraged, "keep doing what you're doing!"

Through my son's example, I decided to manipulate my diet as well. Primarily, I eliminated gluten from my diet strictly out of guilt. How could I expect my child to avoid things I eat on a regular? Surprisingly, my own health has benefited. I noticed less bloat, fewer belly aches. The ulcers I had fought in my twenties were no longer an issue. My eczema cleared up! Although I try to avoid any discussion relevant to my bowels... I'll say it- I no longer get constipated.

The frustration of hours in the kitchen, failed recipes, time and money wasted is now a distant memory. I am hoping to make some wonderful connections within the gluten-free community, and really desire the opportunity to make someone's path through their own journey less of a challenge. To healthy days ahead!

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Kimberly gf mommy
Kayo's picture
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Joined: 01/10/2013
Hi Kimberly

Welcome to the Gluterra community!

I read a lot about autism and gluten, but haven't actually met anyone who is following the GF/CF diet because of autism. It's wonderful to hear that your son is doing much better. I am sure that reading about your experience will encourage a lot of parents out there who are in a similar situation as you. Thank you for sharing your story.

Kayo

Kimberly's picture
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Joined: 04/16/2013
Re: Hi Kimberly

Kayo,

It's astounding how many parents I have met throughout the years who have never tried the diet! When I first went into teaching (I taught children with autism), I was positive I would
convince every parent to at least give it a shot. Number of parents I've convinced- none :(
I'm thrilled to see forums such as this to encourage others- years ago I felt like such an outcast, even doctors discouraged me.

In addition, the parents I have encountered who do "try", will simply replace a cookie here and there. Gluten stays in the system for several weeks at the very least. It's challenging at first, but to see results, you really have to dedicate yourself to going cold turkey.

For the record, to see you on here and to not have a gluten intolerance yourself, is wonderful! Your husband is a lucky man to have such a great support system. Keep up the good work!

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Kimberly gf mommy
Andrew's picture
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Joined: 02/22/2013
Re: Gluten-free Greetings from Kimberly!

Wow - interesting cause/effect relationship. I've heard some people like Jenny McCarthy make some claims, but there's so much noise in the media, it's hard to determine truth from fiction. It's great to read that you are living proof that it's working and I'm looking forward to learning more. I've got a friend who is a mom with an autistic son and I am definitely going to suggest she follow your posts.

Kimberly's picture
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Joined: 04/16/2013
Re: Gluten-free Greetings from Kimberly!

Yes! I had wished Jenny McCarthy's story was around when my son was a toddler. It's never easy re-inventing the wheel. It took me a while to convince myself to give it a go- it just seemed so far-fetched to me. Once I submerged myself into reading about and meeting others who follow the diet, it started to make sense. Many children with autism have what is called "leaky gut", which completely contributes to digestion issues. Things that are difficult to digest, such as gluten and casein, do not get broken down properly, causing them to be released into the bloodstream. I can go on about it forever, there is so much information out there! Good looking out for your friend- autism can feel very isolating to parents, anyone who reaches out is tremendously appreciated.

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Kimberly gf mommy