BioMedical Confusion for ASD

[guyshahar]

Hi

Our 3 year old son with autism has been to see a Biomedical specialist twice - second time was today.

First time round, the specialist suspected Strep throat, and put him on a dairy, gluten and soya free diet. This was very hard work, but we have now re-introduced dairy (though we have been told to keep it very limited), and are about to bring tofu back in. Gluten needs to be out for some time more, it seems.

Today, the results of some organic acids tests showed clearly that he has some bugs in his stomach - that are associated with this condition, and these need to be cleared out. the specialist said that an antibiotic called Metronidazde was very effective in weakening such bugs, but they can come back to strength again as soon as you stop taking them.

So, in order to keep them at bay so that they do not recur and our son can gain the strength to finish them off by himself, the specialist recommended the GAPS diet for a couple of years.

However, this is unfeasibly strict. In fact the only things he can eat are:
Meat/Fish/Eggs (which are out as he is vegetarian)
Dairy (which is already very restricted)
Nuts (he is not quite yet 3, and we understand that these should not be introduced yet)
Some fruits and vegetables (which he barely eats now - apart from carrots, which are not allowed under GAPS).

Does anyone have any understanding of how this works, and be able to suggest how we might move forward? We cannot ignore the fact that he has bugs that need to be treated. However, we are not just worried that the diet will be difficult, but t is certain that he will not get enough to eat on it. What other ways are there to help his body work with the antibiotics during taking them and then continue to work after the course is over? (without starving him....) Or any other approach?

there was a separate thread on the GAPS diet some months ago and few people have had some success.

I am proud to say that we mostly eat GAPS food with occasional gluten free products and some little soya. Children drink almond milk.

Have you discussed your concerns with your practitioner? GAPS is very protein focused and I am not sure how a vegetarian can make it work although there was something about it in the GAPS book but I didnt pay attention as our family consumes lots of meat.

I really dont know what to suggest but if your practitioner has suggested GAPS then he may have problem with leaky gut. He must have a nutritionist working alongside so why not get in touch? Or perhaps question the need for GAPS, can you go on SCD to begin with where you can have some diary (I think!) as usually carbs make an environment for bugs to live and excluding carbs may help? I met someone recently who has started GAPS 6 months ago and said his child progressed more on this diet then all the therapies he has done in the last 6 years on almoast all continents and specialists he has visited.

Juicing is the main aspect of GAPS, as thats the best way to get nutrients in your childs body esp if there is malabsorbtion issue.

DSs OTA test didnt show any bugs, some very little yeast but I think our very healthy diet is responsible for that.

Feel free to post any questions or PM me, I am very rarely on here as now have 3 children (incl a baby) under 6 at home full time in sole care.

As well as doing as much dietary stuff as you can (and you are clearly making a great start on that) the GAPS diet recommends strong probiotics. These are to help kill the bugs. And you can be on them long term.

GAPS recommends biokult.

We've been on that for a while and it's helping, but are going to see a nutritionist next week to get more specific advice on probiotics and diet.

Does you child have to be vegetarian?