[jccgf]

All children genetically screened carried an HLA gene associated with gluten sensitivity and celiac disease. "The sample size is still small and should be interpreted with caution," says Dr. Morris. "However this is of particular interest given the recent publication by Eaton and colleagues in the July 6 online edition of Pediatrics demonstrating a greater than 3-fold risk of autism in children born to mothers diagnosed with celiac disease. This brings some credibility to the anecdotal reports of gastrointestinal and behavioral improvements in children with autism spectrum disorders and/or verbal apraxia when eliminating gluten from their diets. Although the implications of these observations remain to be determined, this association and the utility of dietary modifications warrant further investigation, particularly if we can identify a genetically vulnerable group".

Children's Hospital Oakland scientist characterizes new syndrome of allergy, apraxia, malabsorption July 2009

[Indea88]

This study intrigues me....my ASD son who is HLA DQ8 positive has a father with Celiac disease. When I excluded gluten I saw huge improvements in my son, now 6. Not a doubt in my mind that immune issues are involved in my sons ASD. The study also mentioned deficiencies in Zinc and Vit E as a contributing factor in the low tone, apraxia, GI issues. Interesting and much needed research. It just puts another major piece of this puzzle together for me.