Does a gluten-free, casein-free diet help autism?
A gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet does not cure autism; that idea is a myth. If a child has gut problems, I may take gluten and casein out for a short time while we work on the gut, and then bring those foods back.
Gluten is a protein in wheat, so it's in roti, bread and biscuits. Casein is a protein in milk and in milk foods like paneer and curd. You'll often read that cutting both out helps autism.
It doesn't cure autism
A gluten-free, casein-free diet on its own will not cure autism. That's a myth.
When I do use it
Some children have real gut problems. For them, I may take gluten and casein out of the diet for a while. During that time we work on what upset the gut and how to help it settle. Then the foods are brought back.
General information only, not medical advice. Talk to your child's doctor before making big changes to their diet or medicines.