Casein in human milk? (an autism question)

[kamikazismom]

Hi, Dr. Bob.  My son (31 months old) was diagnosed with autism last week.  I read the Autism Book, and I decided to start him on the gluten-free casein-free diet.  I am currently breastfeeding my 10 month old.  She and I are both going GFCF too, just as a precaution.  My question is about my breastmilk.  I sometimes give it to my son to drink from a cup. Should I stop doing that since my milk has casein in it?  Or do the benefits of breastmilk outweigh any possible negative side effects of casein?  And should we also be avoiding meat from mammals, or just milk products?  Thank you!

Edited by kamikazismom - 2/9/12 at 5:36am

[DrBobSears]

You don't have to avoid mammal meat. As for the breast milk, hmmm, that's a good question, and I don't know the answer. I know SOME autism treatment specialists actually recommend weaning a child with autism (if still nursing at the time of diagnosis). I'm not as strict as that. Of course, there are some good benefits, even at this older age.  But the casein thing IS a legitimate issue. So, basically, I'm not sure which way to go on this, and it will have to be up to you.

[kamikazismom]

Thank you, Dr. Bob. I have one more question.  Is is it ok to use lotion with oatmeal in it?  Or is that another source of gluten we should be avoiding?  We use Aveeno with "natural colloidal oatmeal."  Thanks!

[DrBobSears]

this depends on the child. I don't automatically tell everyone to avoid all topical gluten sources. If there's no rash from it, and no behavioral problems from it, then it may be ok