The
growing popularity of gluten-free diets in autism care has led to both
curiosity and confusion among parents. While some families report improvements
in sleep or behaviour, experts caution against interpreting these changes as
evidence of a cure.
Dr.
Krunal Kosada clarifies that autism is a neurodevelopmental condition with
genetic and biological roots. Dietary interventions cannot alter these
foundations. However, they may help manage secondary physiological stressors
that influence day-to-day functioning.
In
children with gluten sensitivity, the removal of gluten may reduce digestive
discomfort, inflammatory responses, and gut-related stress signals to the
brain. This can sometimes result in improved emotional regulation, reduced
irritability, or better sleep patterns.
What gluten-free diets cannot do is change developmental milestones such as language acquisition, social reciprocity, or cognitive capacity on their own. These areas require structured educational, behavioural, and therapeutic interventions.
Dr. Krunal advocates for honest communication with families. Dietary changes should never be marketed as transformative cures but rather as supportive measures aimed at improving comfort and quality of life. Autism care, he emphasises, must remain child-centred, respectful, and grounded in realistic expectations.
