Abstract

What is the GF/CF diet? Does it work? What's it like to go on it? In this user guide to the gluten and casein free diet, Luke Jackson, who is 12 years old and has Asperger Syndrome, tells you everything you need to know - both good and bad. The details of his first-hand experience of the diet show how it has improved the quality both of his own life and that of other members of the family. Jacqui Jackson, Luke's mother, decided to try the diet for Luke and his two brothers - Joe who has AD/HD and Ben who has autism - and found the results to be highly rewarding: as Luke says, the diet `really can change people's lives'.

Luke offers practical advice on topics such as what to expect when beginning the diet, tips for how to alleviate any initial discomfort, through to advice on how to rearrange the kitchen to avoid-cross contamination. The book includes quotes from other members of the family, a chapter by Luke's mother on how to cope with the challenges of cooking for a family where some people are on the diet and others are not, along with a selection of the family's favourite recipes. An extensive list of useful addresses and websites of suppliers, a food diary for an average week, and suggestions for packed lunches are also included, making the book a really practical source of information.

Luke's message is one of unfailing encouragement. Despite the downsides, he and his family have no regrets about going on the diet. This positive and honest book is an important source of encouragement and advice for people whose lives are touched by autism, AS or AD/HD, for parents considering implementing the diet with their children, and for anyone on the diet, young or old.

This book is written by Luke Jackson, an exceptionally articulate 12 year old who has Asperger Syndrome. It describes his own experiences and those of his two brothers in implementing a GF/CF (gluten free, casein free) diet. This diet is currently advocated as one possible intervention aimed at improving behavioural aspects of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD)... The book is written in a simple, anecdotal style, which is very readable and aimed at parents and individuals with ASD who are interested in trialling the diet. It is also a useful guide for dietitians and other professionals who may be asked for dietary advice, especially illustrating as it does, the potential and practical diversities of pre and post intervention behaviours in different individuals.
Dietetics Today
Luke Jackson is 12 years old and has three sisters and three brothers. One of his brothers has AD/HD, one is autistic and Luke has Asperger syndrome. Luke's mother implemented a GF/CF diet with all three boys. As a `user' of the diet, Luke regularly shares his experience in order to encourage others to help themselves or their children on an internet and telephone helpline.
Luke's User Guide to the GF/CF Diet not only contains comprehensive guidance on how to follow the diet and a selection of great recipes, but a long introduction about his own and his brother' lives before, during and after the diet. Apart from being hugely informative, it also makes great reading.
Inside Story
All in an accurate, frank and revealing insight into how dietary manipulation may (or may not) help an individual with ASD.
Dietetics Today