Abstract
The Impact of GFCF Diet on the Nutritional Status of Autistic Children
Author(s): Mohamad Ahmad Saleem Khasawneh* and Mohammad Nayef AyasrahIt has been suggested that the consumption of foods that are high in casein and gluten on a regular basis might be the root cause of autism syndrome. Clinical signs in children include aberrant child development, tantrums, sobbing, fussiness, apathy and hyperactivity, poor speech, less social interactions, and high levels of imaginative activity. All of these symptoms may be brought on by a diet that is high in foods that contain casein and gluten. The purpose of this research is to determine whether or not giving children with autism GFCF snacks has any impact at all. The methodology of this research is considered to be quasi-experimental, and it consists of many sets of pre- and post-tests. During the course of the 21-day experiment, children diagnosed with autism received GFCF (Gluten Free, Casein Free) snacks. In order to collect data on clinical symptoms, direct interviews with the participants were carried out. In order to acquire a sense of the participants' nutritional status, we used a microtoise and a treadle scale to assess the subjects' height and weight respectively. The findings of the study, which were based on the opinions of forty individuals, indicated that the provision of GFCF snacks had an effect on the improvement or worsening of autistic children's clinical symptoms both before and after the intervention, but had no impact on the children's nutritional status. This was determined by comparing the clinical symptoms of the children before and after the intervention.