So today is the 2nd day of Asher trying the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)--which is a little more strict than the GF/CF Diet. He was doing well these last 2 months GF/CF and we did notice some improvements with eye contact, being able to be re-directed easier, learning, and attitude...but he was still having "gut" issues with loose stools, visually "stemming" (getting stuck looking at lines, furniture, shadows, etc.), having eczema rashes, and his language hadn't improved much either. So, I began doing more research and learned that the SCD was originally the first "GF/CF" diet officially and that it doesn't just alleviate symptoms, it can heal the gut and improve the gut/brain connection. It does this by only allowing simple carbohydrates in the form of fruits, vegetables, and nut flours (among other things) that are easily digested by those with Crohn's Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Colitis and...Autism. In the last 2 years, this diet has received significant press due to the incredible strides children with autism are making once on it even when no progress was reported from the GF/CF diet. Anyway, if there was any chance that it could help heal Ashy, of course, I had to try it :) So, we're in the trial phase to see if he has any improvements whatsoever.
For additional information, please visit www.breakingthevisciouscycle.com or www.pecanbread.com. There you'll find the background information for this way of eating, the list of allowable foods, and the incredible testimonials of parents whose children no longer have symptoms of autism. Wish us luck!
