Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. It is part of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Today, autism spectrum disorders are more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. They occur in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and are four times more likely to strike boys than girls. Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate with and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines. Symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe.

How many children and families are affected by autism? The latest research from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicates that 1 in every 150 children likely has a condition that falls under the autism spectrum. This means that 560,000 children are affected with this disorder in the United States. Autism does not just affect the child diagnosed. It is a life-altering condition that affects every member of the family and social circle of that child.

The CDC defines autism spectrum disorder as follows:

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities defined by significant impairments in social interaction and communication and the presence of unusual behaviors and interests.

What Causes Autism?

Every child is unique and amazing. Children with autism are no different; their autism disorder gives them many unique and interesting characteristics that endear them to their families and friends. Parents want to help their children succeed and be able to interact with their family and peers.

One of the hardest realities of autism is that, currently, there is no known cure. Treatments exist to help lessen the symptoms and severity of the disease but no definite cure has been identified. The medical community has also been unable to identify the true cause of autism at this time. This makes for a complicated situation.

The research regarding the cause of autism disorder is confusing and studies oftentimes contradict each other. Some researchers believe that the cause of autism is genetic only.

Others believe that there is a genetic component to this disorder and also some type of environmental trigger that causes this disease to emerge. These environmental causes are not well understood. There are many theories about which environmental factors may trigger the emergence of autism, but most are still being studied.

Therapy for Children with Autism

Autism research is relatively new. This fact makes it very difficult for families to find reliable and trustworthy information. Families can find an overwhelming amount of information on the Internet and in the media, but oftentimes this information is conflicting. It might take a little time to find the right treatment options for your family and your child.

Currently, the primary goal for therapy is to improve a child's development throughout his or her lifespan. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the educational interventions that help children with ASD provide children with structure, direction, and organization. It is important to individualize therapy for each child's own individual needs.

A team approach is helpful to identify and tailor the therapy to meet the developmental needs of the child as well as capitalize on the specific strengths of each child. Many children have an array of doctors, behaviorists, occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, music therapists, holistic practitioners, acupuncturists, dietitians, teachers, and specialists on their team.

When children are diagnosed, many families begin to search for cures and therapies to help. One alternative therapy that is very common for many families to consider is specific changes to their child's diet.

Dietary intervention in autism is still considered a complementary and alternative therapy. It is important to meet with a dietitian or physician trained in the specifics of this diet. This is a restrictive diet; you want to have accurate information, and your child should be followed closely on this diet to ensure proper growth.

Dietary Intervention for Children with Autism

The most common form of dietary intervention in children with ASD is the gluten- and casein-free diet. In 2007, a study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders showed that 54 percent of families identified as using complementary and alternative medicines used dietary changes as a therapy for autism. This diet is widely used even though the connection between the diet and the effects on the child is unproven but still under study.

The gluten- and casein-free diet impacts all aspects of your child's diet, so it is important to talk with your physician before beginning a trial of the diet. Due to the restrictive nature of this diet, it is important to closely monitor children's growth and nutritional health while following this plan. Discuss with your physician about tracking your child's response to this therapy.

Communication and teamwork are vital for the success of this diet. Work with your treatment team to determine when and how to start the diet.

It is also important to communicate with your treatment team about how long to try out this diet. Some children will respond quickly, others take slightly longer, and still others show no response to this diet. Defining certain start and end points at the beginning can make complying with the diet easier.