This article describes how gluten and casein elimination diets may help children with autism.

The author describes the evidence showing that children with autism may have digestive systems that do not work properly. As a result, small bits of protein by-products may leak from their intestines into their bloodstream. Some of these by-products are called casomorphines (from dairy products) and gluteomorphines (from oats, barley, rye, and wheat products). They may act like a drug, affecting behavior and the brain. The author lists some of the symptoms common among children with autism and describes how these by-products could cause these symptoms. These symptoms include: stereotyped behavior, lack of social involvement, epilepsy, self-destructive or pain-inflicting behavior, immune system problems, and sleep problems. Finally, research showing the positive effects of gluten and casein elimination diets is described, and the author asserts that these diets may work better for younger children.