Use of GFCF Diets in Children with ASD. An Investigation into Parents\u2019 Beliefs Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour

Rachel E F Marsden,Iain Garner,John Francis

doi:10.1007/s10803-019-04035-8

Rachel E F Marsden, Iain Garner + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04035-8

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Abstract

Gluten free/Casein free (GFCF) diets are one of the most common types of Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) used in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) despite little evidence to support positive effects. There has been no theory driven literature that has investigated parent’s reasons for their use. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) was used to examine parent’s intentions to use GFCF diets for their child with an ASD. Treatment and causal beliefs were also examined. Parents (n = 33, children aged 3–17 years) were influenced by anticipated regret, positive outcomes and attitude. Future interventions should provide information to parents and health professionals about the possible causes of ASD and therapy options which are in line with current recommendations.

Highlights

Higher rates of Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) use are reported in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) compared to typically developed (TD) children (e.g. Christon et al 2010; Senel 2010; Wong and Smith 2006; Wong 2009), with Gluten Free/Casein Free (GFCF) diets and diet supplements being the most common (e.g. Carter et al 2011; Christon et al 2010; Green et al 2006; Hall and Riccio 2012; Hanson et al 2007; Pillsbury Hopf et al 2016)
Participants were characterised according to users and nonusers of GFCF diets
The results of this study provide some indication of possible predictors of intentions to use GFCF diets and actual use, namely, anticipated regret

Summary

Introduction

Higher rates of CAM use are reported in children with ASD compared to typically developed (TD) children (e.g. Christon et al 2010; Senel 2010; Wong and Smith 2006; Wong 2009), with Gluten Free/Casein Free (GFCF) diets and diet supplements being the most common (e.g. Carter et al 2011; Christon et al 2010; Green et al 2006; Hall and Riccio 2012; Hanson et al 2007; Pillsbury Hopf et al 2016). Younger children with ASD and those with more severe symptoms are reported to have higher rates of CAM use (Hall and Riccio 2012; Hanson et al 2007; Perrin et al 2012). CAM use in ASD is used for a variety of reasons, including treating symptoms of autism (35%), concentration/ attention (19%), relaxation (23%), GI problems (15%), sleep problems (12%) and communication/speech (12%) (Wong and Smith 2006). Senel (2010) found that parents using special diets for their child rated improvements in behaviour and communication. Within the Chinese population, Wong (2009) reported that 32.5 per cent of parents of children with ASD believed CAM would improve their child’s quality of life. Comparisons between countries can, be compromised by cultural background and attitudes (Wong 2009)

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Discussion

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