Reports On Gluten-Free Diets Not Improving Autism Behavior

CNN posted an article today, Study: Gluten-free diets do not improve autism behavior, written by Trisha Henry, CNN Medical Producer. "Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center in upstate New York put the gluten- and casein-free diet to most stringent test today, according to lead author Dr. Susan Hyman."

The study involved 14 children diagnosed with autism. The study claims that their results prove that changing an autistic child's diet will not improve their behavior. These conclusions are based on putting 14 children on the diet for four weeks, and then giving them a casein and gluten food item.

I'm not sure what irritates me the most about this study. Is it that they did a study with 12 children and make this claim on that basis or that CNN is reporting it as a fact that should be accepted by everyone.

I'm not a scientist, but I do know that the results of one,very small research study is not enough to make assumptions of this magnitude. In my opinion, presenting this study's results as fact will do a lot of harm in the autism community. The fact that CNN has reported on it will also hurt our community, too.

This study has also been reported on by other major news sites on the internet. I think this is a very detrimental study and I am disappointed in the news organizations that are reporting on this. They are legitimizing this study. This is a study that only had 14 children participating. This is a study that excluded children with gastrointestinal issues. Then, it turns around and says that the diet doesn't help children with autism. I ask you this. How many children were turned away from this study because of allergies or gastrointestinal problems?

Silk PureAlmond Revew and Giveaway Closed

I was sent two coupons, each for a free ½ Gallon container of Silk PureAlmond, to purchase and review Silk PureAlmond. I had not tried it in the past and looked forward to doing so. I took my coupons with me grocery shopping at Lowe’s Foods and found one container left on the refrigerator shelf. That was a good sign.

At home, I tried it first. I shook the container and poured me a cup. It was delicious. I let my son try it and he drank the whole glass. In the course of the two days that it survived in my refrigerator, my son brought it out several times for me to pour him a cup. His favorite lemonade and regular milk were in the refrigerator, too. The fact that he would pick the Silk PureAlmond over the others, proved to me that he didn’t drink the first cup simply because it’s what was given him.

A few days later, I used the second coupon over at Food Lion. That one only lasted a couple of days, too. If I had let my son have his way, neither container would have lasted a day. I only allowed him two cups of it a day.

Silk PureAlmond is lactose, dairy and soy free. If you are looking for a yummy alternative to cow’s milk, you should try this. I thought it tasted like a vanilla milkshake. I didn’t try the plain flavor, so I don’t know how that tastes. I liked the vanilla flavored one that I picked out first, that I just had to get it again. Now that I am out of coupons, I am still purchasing the Silk PureAlmond for my family. One ½ Gallon container is only $2.69 at the grocery store.


Silk PureAlmond is sponsoring a giveaway for 3 lucky winners. All three winners will win a free coupon for purchase of a half gallon of Silk Pure Almond (up to $3.99 value), and one lucky winner will also receive a Silk Pure Almond branded Chico Bag, in addition to the coupon.

This giveaway begins May 2, 2010 and ends May 16, 2010. You must be a US resident to enter. Your email must be either in your Blogger Profile or in your entry comment.
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