Gluten-restricted diets have become increasingly popular among parents seeking treatment for children diagnosed with
autism. Some of the reported response to celiac diets in children with
autism may be related to amelioration of
nutritional deficiency resulting from undiagnosed
gluten sensitivity and consequent malabsorption. A case is presented of a 5-year-old boy diagnosed with severe
autism at a specialty clinic for
autistic spectrum disorders. After initial investigation suggested underlying
celiac disease and varied nutrient deficiencies, a
gluten-free diet was instituted along with dietary and supplemental measures to secure nutritional sufficiency. The patient's gastrointestinal symptoms rapidly resolved, and signs and symptoms suggestive of
autism progressively abated. This case is an example of a common
malabsorption syndrome associated with central nervous system dysfunction and suggests that in some contexts,
nutritional deficiency may be a determinant of developmental delay. It is recommended that all children with neurodevelopmental problems be assessed for
nutritional deficiency and
malabsorption syndromes.