In its simplest terms, the gluten free/casein free diet is the removal of wheat, oats, barley, spelt and rye - and a few other cereal grains - and the removal of dairy from your child’s diet.

This concept may seem daunting at first, but the results are often astonishing. The most common reaction to the removal of these foods is "an awakening," where parents report that their child was suddenly much more present in the day-to-day things that occur around them, such as reacting to their name being called

out, noticing when people come in and out of the room, and desiring to participate vs. being "in their own world."

Others who did not feel they experienced this level of response still felt the diet was well worth it in that they saw improvement in chronic diarrhea and constipation, improved speech, as well as significantly less tantrum like behaviors.

Chances are, your child eats only a few foods. And it’s very likely that they are bread, macaroni and cheese, goldfish, pasta and chicken nuggets. You see, our kids have become addicted to these foods. Studies show that the enzyme that breaks down gluten (the protein found in wheat, etc) and casein (the protein found in dairy foods like milk, cheese, yogurt, etc) is missing (or ineffective) in most spectrum kids and when these foods don’t get broken down, undigested, long chain amino acids are released into the body. These undigested amino acids cause an "opioid effect" which is very much like being on morphine. Characteristics of the opioid effect include spaciness, tantrums, erratic behaviors, intolerance to change, lack of eye contact and many of the other symptoms that are often considered "autism-like" behaviors.

Making the commitment to this diet is not easy, but the diet is effective. Surely you are thinking, my child is going to starve! The First Three Step Starter Kit holds your hand through this process by first teaching you what foods are safe, how to shop for these foods, then how to wean your child off of the offending foods in a way that you can keep your sanity.

The kit comes with a shopping list, a food log and wallet cards that list the "no-no" ingredients. It’s going to take some effort on your part, but we’ve really made it as easy as possible for you to make the leap... and we’re confident you are going to be so glad you did!!
 

When tested, almost every child on the spectrum has an alarming level of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Most commonly discussed are calcium, magnesium, selenium and zinc.

Calcium deficiency has a very strong link to insomnia and is often associated with head banging and self-injurious behavior. Magnesium deficiency symptoms include anxiety, confusion, hyperactivity, insomnia and

nervousness. Selenium deficiency is linked to growth impairment and the inability to create the proper digestive enzymes. Zinc deficiency symptoms include depression, diarrhea, eczema, fatigue, growth impairment, hair loss, and immune impairment.

With proper supplementation, you can improve the overall health of your child, which in turn can reverse some of these autism-like symptoms. And the good news is,,, it’s pretty easy!! A few different formulas have been created specifically for kids on the spectrum. To name a few: Brainchild Nutritionals, Kirkman Labs and Lee Silsby. Just hide these formulas in a juice box (as you work up to spoon servings) and you’ll be amazed at the results.

If you’d like to contact these companies, visit reverseautism.com/resources, they’re listed in the Supplement section. In the First Three Steps Starter Kit, there is even a coupon for 25% off your first order of Brainchild Nutritionals. Whichever company you decide on, you can talk to a company representative and they will help you to determine the best formula to start with.
 

Our homes are full of harsh chemicals that can have harmful effects on your child’s development. It seems that our spectrum kids don’t metabolize and get rid of chemicals as well as the rest of us do - they hold onto to these unhealthy chemis-tries in their tissues and organs, which can negatively effect both short term and long term behaviors as well as overall health.

The good news is that over the last few years, many companies have created non-toxic versions of the most common household cleansers. From dish and laundry detergents, to bug sprays and household cleansers, companies like Seventh Generation and Method have all the products you need to run your household, without worrying about harmful side effects.

The bad news is that really harmful chemicals lurk in some of the seemingly good things we use everyday - like non-stick cookware, flame retardant pajamas, stain resistant furniture and almost all plastics.

To help "clean up" your house, please visit reverseautism.com/resources, where you’ll find helpful advice and links to alternative, non-toxic products.

In the First Three Steps Starter Kit we include 5 simple changes you can make in your home, and in the way you cook and clean, that will significantly reduce the toxins your child comes into contact with on a day-to-day basis.