As parents, we're always looking for ways to help our children flourish. As parents of neurodivergent children, we’re often left to find creative solutions to help our children succeed in a world that presents them with unique challenges.
If you have a neurodivergent child, you may have heard about the potential benefits of a gluten-free diet. Let's explore why eating gluten-free can benefit these children and how it may improve their lives.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley and usually is found in a large portion of the average American diet. You’ll find it in traditional bread, pizza dough, crackers, pasta, baked goods, and many types of cereal. It can also be hidden in other foods, like soups, sauces, candy, and french fries.
Humans have consumed gluten for thousands of years, so how can it be bad? The jury is still out on the exact reason gluten sensitivity is on the rise. Some theories point the finger at the wheat industry and the development of hardier, disease-resistant crops that in turn are harder for humans to digest. Others theorize that the chemicals used in the growing and harvesting of the grains are to blame. Either seems plausible, but more research is needed to know for sure.
Is eating gluten-free healthier?
Eating gluten-free has become more prevalent in recent years, but is it actually healthier? For the average child, probably not. Cutting out gluten usually means cutting out important whole grains essential to a balanced diet.
But, for autistic, ADHD, and other neurodivergent people, the answer may be yes. Increasingly, functional and integrative medicine physicians are prescribing nutritional remedies, quality dietary supplements, and lifestyle changes to treat symptoms associated with ADHD and autism.
Author and integrative medicine physician Dr. Kenneth Bock, MD, has been helping ADHD and autistic children for decades. In his books “Brain Inflamed” and “Healing the New Childhood Epidemics,” he explains how gluten can impact brain function and behavior in some sensitive individuals.
Why is gluten bad for neurodivergent people?
The connection between gluten and neurodivergence has yet to be fully understood, but several theories offer possible explanations. One theory is that neurodivergent people are more sensitive to the world around them. When they eat gluten, it can trigger an immune response.
Dr. Bock explains that gluten can increase the permeability of the gut lining, a condition often called "leaky gut." This can allow unwanted substances to enter the bloodstream and reach the brain, causing inflammation that affects brain function and behavior.
Anti-inflammatory diets have grown in popularity over recent years, even outside the neurodivergent community. People who suffer from chronic inflammation that causes autoimmune and gastrointestinal diseases increasingly implement special diets to relieve symptoms. There are a variety of anti-inflammatory diets out there, but they all have one thing in common—they severely limit or eliminate glutenous foods, among other ingredients.
How long after going gluten-free will you see results?
Transitioning to a gluten-free diet isn’t an overnight fix. It typically takes six to eight weeks for the immune system to stop reacting to gluten once it has been eliminated from the diet. But you may start noticing a difference even before your body is completely rid of gluten.
When gluten is first eliminated, symptoms such as disrupted sleep, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation may worsen. Licensed nutritionist Kelly Dorfman, author of "Cure Your Child With Food," explains that the body goes through a period of withdrawal when gluten is first cut out of the diet, which may exacerbate symptoms.
Over her decades of treating chronic conditions with nutrition, Dorfman has observed that her patients tend to be overly drawn to the foods they are most sensitive to, like a person struggling with an addiction is drawn to alcohol or drugs. Her patients generally see improved cognitive and behavioral function once the problematic food is removed from their diet.
What to Expect When You Go Gluten-Free
Making the switch to a gluten-free diet can be tricky when you first get started, but the potential benefits for your child can be well worth the effort. Here’s what you can expect:
Initial Adjustment Period: Your child might experience cravings or withdrawal-like symptoms as their body adjusts to the absence of gluten. This is normal and usually temporary.
Improved Digestion: Many parents report improvements in their child’s digestion and overall gut health.
Behavioral Changes: Gluten-sensitive children generally show positive behavioral changes, such as increased focus, reduced hyperactivity, improved emotional regulation, and improved sleep.
Enhanced Well-being: Your child might seem happier and more comfortable in their own skin.
When we first eliminated gluten from our children’s diets, within days, our son started sleeping through the night regularly—finally, at five years old! It took a bit longer for us to see a change in our daughter, but after a few weeks, she experienced less emotional dysregulation and a greater ability to stay focused.
What if you have a picky eater?
Picky eating is a common complaint among parents today of neurodivergent and neurotypical kids alike. But for parents of neurodivergent children, it is a widespread frustration.
It’s estimated that 46 to 89% of neurodivergent children struggle with picky eating. As mentioned above, Dorfman has observed that children sensitive to gluten often crave it. This may look like a child who is adamant he only eats bagels for breakfast, chicken fingers or mac n’ cheese for lunch, and pizza for dinner. We know this isn’t healthy, but short of shoving the food into their mouth (I definitely don’t recommend this), what’s a parent supposed to do?!
Have no fear. Dorfman has also observed a phenomenon, as she explains it, where children with food sensitivities are more willing to try new foods once the problem food is eliminated from their diet.
We witnessed this with our own children, especially our son, who would eat peanut butter and jelly for every meal if you let him. As it turns out, he’s not only sensitive to gluten but also peanuts. Now that both are out of his diet, he is much more agreeable to trying new foods (although anything green is still suspect if it's not lettuce).
Where do you start?
Switching to a gluten-free diet can be a transformative step for children with ADHD and autism. While it may take time and effort to make the change, the potential benefits for your child's health and well-being are substantial.
If you're considering this dietary adjustment, please remember that I’m a mother, not a healthcare professional. Do your own research and consult your pediatrician to ensure it's the right choice for your family. But be prepared for some pushback.
Many doctors do not believe that nutrition can significantly improve symptoms associated with being neurodivergent. If this is your experience, don’t be completely deterred. Ask your physician to clarify what their concerns are and what the downside would be for your child. Then, use that information in your decision-making process.
We had one doctor share a concern that “gluten-free diets tend to be low in fiber.” This may be true if you switch your child from a glutenous bagel, chicken finger, and pizza diet to a gluten-free bagel, chicken finger, and pizza diet. But if your child eats a balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, you needn’t worry about the lack of fiber.
Thanks for joining me on this journey! For more tips and updates from Atypical Dish, be sure to join the mailing list.
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