Understanding Autism
Children’s Biomedical Center of Utah
(3) Antibodies to transglutaminase, endomysium, reticulin, and gliadin (these are tests for celiac disease which occurs in a minority of autistic children and if negative, do not rule out gluten sensitivity.) (4) Elevated IgA antibodies strongly correlate with celiac disease (5) Small bowel biopsy—more specific for celiac disease, can be negative for gluten sensitivity. d) Gluten-free diet trial (1) It is difficult and life-style changing but gets easier over time. (2) Get help from other parents on the diet (3) Be ready before you start (4) 4-month trial (a) takes longer to see effects than with casein (5) Every autistic child should have a trial, regardless of test results e) Duration (1) If it helps, keep going as long as possible (2) It is difficult to know when to stop the diet. Hopefully, once the other GI system problems are fixed and they can tolerate gluten and casein. Some children have done well coming off the diet and substituting digestive enzymes in its place but others have regressed when this was tried. I think this will be an individual decision but at this point, I would recommend continuing the diet as long as possible. 3. Enzyme Supplements There are commercially-available enzyme supplements of DDPIV that seem to help to some extent but should not be used as a replacement for the diet at least initially. These may help for preventing problems with food “accidents”. They are available through Kirkman’s labs and Houston neutriceuticals. a) Kirkman’s Enzyme Complete with DPPIV or Houston’s Peptizyde. b) Work best if given just before every meal.
C. Antifungals/Probiotics 1. Antifungals a) Tests
March 24, 2003
Copyright © 2003 by Bryan Jepson MD, PC
Page - 21