Specific Carbohydrate Diet and Autism--anyone here with experience?

[daisymommy]

Hello all,
I have a dear friend who's 3.5 yr old child has autism. He is already gfcf. She would like to start the SCD this weekend (she has already read the book). But she feels overwhelmed and confused on some points and information. She doesn't have any real-life support on this or know anyone who has done SCD to be able to ask questions.

I told her about the lovely kind wise mamas here and told her I would ask around to see if I could get some support for her, someone who could maybe answer her questions.

So, anyone here with experience?


*Cross posted in Good Eating and Special Needs Parenting

[Panserbjorne]

I'd be happy to talk to her if she'd like.

[sbgrace]

My advice would be to make sure his diet is balanced. SCD can be very high fat or protein (most often both). And if a child has an underlying metabolic condition that hasn't been detected that can be disastrous. A significant percent of autistic kids have mitochondrial disorder or issues in that area. Those kids typically don't handle fat well.

My son had damage from SCD because we were too high fat for his (unknown mito issues) to handle. I switched from gfcf to SCD because I hadn't seen the improvement we had hoped and I was certain food was hurting him. It was...it was fat though!

It was a disaster and I've seen a number of other SCD kids who had similar experiences. I think the diet appeals to those with kids like mine.

So I'd urge her to make sure he has enough carb calories for a balanced diet and she doesn't go too high in either fat or protein. Watch for negative effects. They aren't always "die off" but instead are sometimes signs of major issues. Energy declines are a major red flag.

I would not do SCD with a child with even mild hypotonia or energy issues or other health issues that might be clues there is more than autism going on (GI/reflux/constipation would be one such clue). If there is hypotonia involvement with autism I can suggest something that would likely be far, far more effective than SCD.

[HealthHomeHappy]

Originally Posted by sbgrace

So I'd urge her to make sure he has enough carb calories for a balanced diet and she doesn't go too high in either fat or protein. Watch for negative effects. They aren't always "die off" but instead are sometimes signs of major issues. Energy declines are a major red flag.

I would not do SCD with a child with even mild hypotonia or energy issues or other health issues that might be clues there is more than autism going on (GI/reflux/constipation would be one such clue). If there is hypotonia involvement with autism I can suggest something that would likely be far, far more effective than SCD.

That's one of my major gripes with GAPS/SCD, so much is labeled as 'die off' when it's not.

Because my LO has hypotonia (which is improving on SCD) I was a little nervous reading this. When you tried SCD did you see improvement in the first 30 days? Or was it all getting worse/nothing changing?

I'm hoping that because I see improvement, we're okay. I might call about those mito tests today though.

[Panserbjorne]

it's always good to have caution when altering anyone's diet. However my dd did have several of the issues listed (GI complications, severe reflux, hypotonia at birth, constipation etc), yet thrived on SCD. It can be incredibly healing for kids with autism *and* other issues. However different people thrive on different diets and it's impossible to say who will respond how to what. It's always good to have a practitioner on board to follow the child in question in a situation like this. Not that they need to agree, but they need to know what's going on to be able to adequately assess the situation as it changes.

I would also take another step out and say that it's rarely ever JUST the diet that heals. While she thrived on SCD and still eats high fat/moderately high protein I never relied on the food to be the end all be all in healing. I had several other treatments things going on at once, but I will say I noticed an immediate change (within a week) from the dietary change which I will attribute to the SCD and not to other supportive measures.

I know sbgrace had significant issues, as did other people-it's by no means an isolated case. You should take her words with caution as should anyone considering a major change. It is incredibly beneficial to hear both sides to make an informed decision.

[Panserbjorne]

Originally Posted by HealthHomeHappy

That's one of my major gripes with GAPS/SCD, so much is labeled as 'die off' when it's not.

Let's be clear though that it's not the SCD/GAPS issue so much as it's a healing diet issue. ALL of them without exception will claim that. I will say that while it's often true, that doesn't mean it's healthy. Die off is a sign that you are detoxing faster than your body can handle it. That, to me, is an issue. However it is very, very rare that anyone talks about it. In fact, most people EMBRACE the die off as some sort of initiation into healing or proof that they are doing something right. That *is* a problem. I agree. It should not be taken as lightly as it is.

I'm glad things are looking up for you-best wishes on this path and I hope you have happy stories to tell soon.

[samjrmommy]

Question for sbgrace

Thank you, Rachelle.

I am so thankful for Amy's (daisygirl) help in this area! She is a precious friend

Rachelle, I would like to find out more about what our options are & why you feel SCD is dangerous for children with hypotonia and GI issues. Our son has both, aside from autism, and this is the 1st I've heard. I just finished Gotschall's book and pecanbread, so your message has me very interested. We could chat here, or talk on the phone, preferably, as I don't get to the computer often. I also have not used this site before, so I don't know the private protocol for exchanging phone numbers.....Thank you~

Heather

[samjrmommy]

Thank you for your offer-

Originally Posted by Panserbjørne

I'd be happy to talk to her if she'd like.

I think I'd like to talk with you as well about this. Please let me know how we can connect- Thanx!

-Heather

[californiajenn]

I'm on GAPS for food intolerances instead of SCD but the two are extremely similar. I'm have great success as is my dd.

My good friend is healing her son from Autism. I used to think that statement was nuts but I've seen him heal over the last year. Many friends have known the family longer and all say they're seen tremendous results in him.

Another friends son is not diagnosed autistic but does, rather did, exhibit many symptoms. They started GAPS two months ago and he's much better too.


An important point to note is the diet in only one part of the process. All of us needed to do the diet AND have the proper supplements.


Some people need to move very, very slowly into the diet and others can jump right in without experiences too much die-off. The key is to listen to your body.

I'd suggest your friend join the GAPS yahoo group. Lot's of informative ladies there too.

[Anna06]

Does the book discuss just how much our diet effects different situations.....

we deal with food allergies, food intolerance, and some type of adhd/add etc....

subbing


TIA