Wheat-Free Diet May Not Help Autism: U.S. Study

A popular diet that eliminates wheat and milk protein does not appear to help children with autism, but early behavioral treatments do, researchers reported on Wednesday.

The findings are sure to disappoint many parents who have been trying to manage autism, which affects as many as 1 in 100 U.S. children.

"It would have been wonderful for children with autism and their families if we found that the gluten-free, casein-free diet could really help, but this small study didn't show significant benefits," said Dr. Susan Hyman of the University of Rochester in New York, who led the study.

Gluten is the protein found in wheat, rye and other grains, while casein is a milk protein.

"The removal of gluten and casein from the diet of a controlled group of young children with autism, all of whom were screened for celiac disease … did not demonstrate a change in sleep habits, bowel habits, activity or core symptoms of autism," Hyman said.

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