Could the right diet be a “cure” for autism? That’s the bold question that researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston are attempting to answer as they proceed forward with one of the first double-blind, clinical studies of its kind.

“There has been little scientific evidence and a lot of anecdotal reporting on diets and autism,” says Fernando Navarro, MD, lead investigator of this study and associate professor who specializes in pediatric gastroenterology at the University of Texas Medical School. Navarro further explains, “Hundreds and hundreds of parents think this works, but we need serious evidence” to establish whether gluten and dairy products are a contributing factor in autistic behavior as many parents have asserted.

This gap in concrete information led Navarro to develop the initial concept and then present the prospect of jointly performing a research study to Katherine Loveland, PhD, an autism research expert and professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, pediatrics, and biomedical sciences at the Health Science Center. With previous research grants from the National Institutes of Health, Loveland accepted this opportunity to work as a co-investigator.

She later explains that “there are some scientific reasons to think that some kids may benefit from this diet. We know that autistic children have high rates of [gastrointestinal] problems, but we don’t know exactly why. There are neurotransmitters and neuroreceptors in the gut that correspond with those in the brain and we are trying to out if they are linked to autistic behavior.”

A Puzzling Disorder

Autism is a developmental disorder that appears within the first three years of life and, as defined by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, is “characterized by three distinctive behaviors. Autistic children have difficulties with social interaction, display problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and exhibit repetitive behaviors or narrow, obsessive interests.”  Furthermore, autism touches up to six of every 1,000 children, and its effects can range from mild to disabling.

While previous research has revealed differences in the central nervous system’s anatomy and function in those diagnosed with autism, the disorder’s cause continues to be unknown. Theories remain unproven, but some experts hypothesize that genetics and environmental conditions may play an influential role in the cause of this condition. With this in mind, the University of Texas initiated this study several months ago with hopes of shedding light on this potentially devastating condition.

For the University of Texas pilot study, which is currently in progress, researchers enrolled approximately 40 autistic children ranging from ages 3 to 9 in order to study the effect of gluten, a protein in wheat, as well as milk proteins on the intestinal function. Two important peptides, casomorphin in milk and gliadomorphin in gluten, are thought to somehow affect the behavior in autistic children. While all children were taken off such products before the randomized, four-week study, half were then given gluten/milk powder while the other half received a placebo of powdered rice flour.

According to Navarro, “The goal of the study is to measure the intestinal permeability changes when gluten and milk are introduced into the diet of children who fulfill the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder based on the [Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition].” Results from this month-long study will be measured at two-week intervals.

Navarro continues, “Additionally, the study examines behavioral changes as related to diet as noted by psychometric testing conducted by the psychology department. Furthermore, gastrointestinal symptoms, (i.e. abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea) will be reported by the parents.” While it may take up to a year or more to complete and present conclusions, the results will determine whether a larger study should be conducted.

Regardless, Navarro and Loveland share great hope that this potentially groundbreaking study will begin to shed light on certain misconceptions surrounding autism. “Autism is a difficult disorder to comprehend and study,” says Navarro. “I have deep respect and empathy for all parents trying their absolute best to provide the highest quality care to their children. I hope this study helps finding answers to understand the relationship between diet and autism.”


— Michael Smith is a Pa.-based freelance writer and a Web manager for Penn Medicine in Philadelphia. Questions and comments can be directed to editorial@therapytimes.com.