How can autism be cured with specific diet?

Introduction: The pathomechanism of autism is not completely understood. Previous studies suggested beneficial effect of cow's milk- and gluten free diet in some cases, however, there is no increased prevalence of cow's milk allergy nor celiac disease among autistic patients.

Case presentation: A 3 year-old boy developed well until 2 years of age, when based on typical signs and symptoms autism was diagnosed. Current studies indicated that some of autistic patients have elevated levels of gliadino- and caseomorphines in the urine. These substances could be toxic in the central nervous system. We found very high level of gliadinomorphine (case: 126 mU; normal: 5 mU) and beta-casemophine (case: 26 mU; normal: 2 mU, analysis: Kalle Recheilt, Oslo, Norway) on normal diet, which suggest their role in the patomechanism of autism. Introduction of cow's milk- and gluten free diet caused significant remission. One month later we made a challenge test (cow's milk and gluten) having relapsing symptoms in the child after 3 days. Exclusion diet caused remission again.

Conclusion: Our cases indicates that autism could be cured on cow's milk- and gluten free diet. These children are not allergic nor celiac patients but degradation products of cow's milk and gluten (gliadino- and caseomorphines) could have neurotoxic effects. Analysis of these substances in the urine is available thus in autistic patients screening test is recommended.