Many biomedical treatments for children with Autism and other Pervasive Developmental Disorders have been developed in recent years. Typically, these are used in combination as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to address the many problems children with these disorders have. In 1967, Dr. Bernard Rimland and associates founded the Autism Research Institute (ARI) dedicated to finding help for these children (ARI, 1967-2009). The practices researched and recommended by the institute have become commonly known as the Defeat Autism Now! or DAN! protocol. While several biomedical approaches have become a standard part of ARI’s recommended treatment methods, the DAN! protocol also recommends other treatments such as, for example, behavioral therapy. In this treatment method each child with Autism or other Pervasive Developmental Disorders is considered to be an individual with specific needs. The ‘protocol’ therefore does not apply to every child in the same way. Some of the treatments researched and recommended by DAN! and other proponents of biomedical treatment for these disorders are:
One of the most well researched treatment options among the biomedical approaches is the Gluten Free/Casein Free Diet (GFCF diet). This diet eliminates gluten found in wheat and other grains, as well as casein which is found in dairy products, from the diets of children with Autism and other Pervasive Developmental Disorders. Additionally, many advocates of the GFCF diet also recommend the elimination of all soy products, artificial dyes and other food addictives including sugar. The use of dietary treatment is based upon gastro-intestinal (GI) research into the symptoms that many children with these disorders exhibit. Some of these symptoms are:
A common medical condition known as the “Leaky Gut Syndrome” is thought to be the cause of much of the GI symptoms and distress that these children have (Edelson, 2007-2008). The GFCF diet is recommended as a primary treatment for this condition. “Leaky gut” is common among children with Autism and other Pervasive Developmental Disorders. This syndrome causes digestive problems in which certain foods cannot be used properly by the child’s body. This results in other biological problems that can be manifested, for example, as attention and behavioral problems. It is believed that several symptoms of developmental disorders are reduced for many children when using the GFCF diet. Researchers, medical providers and parents have noted improvement in attention and disruptive behaviors when children are eating foods that are gluten and casein free (S., 2008).
Physicians who work with such biomedical treatments for Autism and other related disorders are often referred to as “DAN! doctors”. This is due to the pioneering work of the Autism Research Institute in these biomedical treatments. The commonly used DAN! acronym for that institute’s logo “Defeat Autism Now!” has led to doctors using these methods to be known as “DAN! doctors”. Biomedical treatments such as the GFCF diet for developmentally disabled children are still considered by many to be ‘alternative’ treatments and parents who choose these treatments for their children will have to seek out appropriate physicians. There is some controversy in more traditional medical settings about the effectiveness of these methods, although there is a significant body of research indicating that it is effective for many.
Use of the GFCF diet requires parents to learn about specific foods to avoid as well as alternative options for meeting the nutritional needs of their children. Additionally, there are many ‘specialty’ foods prepared for GFCF diets that require use of specialty markets or other resources (DeHart, 2009). Parents who use the GFCF diet for their children have found a great deal of information available in books and pamphlets as well as from physicians, nutritionists, support groups and online resources. Many recipes are readily available to accommodate the GFCF diet as well as the tastes of children. Some of the foods to be avoided in the GFCF diet are listed here:
Parents interested in the GFCF diet and other biomedical treatments can search online with the keywords GFCF diet, gluten-free/casein-free diet, and biomedical treatments for autism. Organizations such as the Autism Research Institute (DAN!) also provide online information and many links to other resources.
ARI. (1967-2009). Retrieved May 17, 2009, from Autism Research Institute: Defeat Autism Now!: http://www.autism.com/
DeHart, J. (n.d.). The Official GFCF Diet Support Group Website. Retrieved May 17, 2009, from GFCFdiet.com: http://www.gfcfdiet.com/
Edelson, S. (2007-2008). Leaky Gut and the Gluten- / Casein-Free Diet. Retrieved May 16, 2009, from Autism Research Institute: Defeat Autism Now!: http://www.autism.com/families/diet/leakygut.htm
S., R. (2008, September 22). Gluten Intolerance-What Your Doctor May Not Tell You. Retrieved May 16, 2009, from Be Well @ Stanford: http://stanford.wellsphere.com/digestive-health-article/gluten-intolerance-what-your-doctor-may-not-tell-you/370758