Autism is a behavioral disorder that is broad and heavy, covers the areas of communication, social interaction, motor behavior, emotions, and sensory perception are commonly found in children.
In many cases, the symptoms of autism appear before a child is three years, and even in some cases it has visible symptoms of autism since birth.
For decades the cause of the symptoms of autism remains a mystery, and only about 10 years revealed abnormalities in brain structure that is the cause.
Dr. Dr. Sri Achadi Nugraheni, nutritionists are interested in research on autism, especially about the effect of food and beverages against autism. "I am interested in the issue of autism since 1985, when I was in college," said Nugraheni who is currently the Head of Nutrition Faculty of Medicine, University of Diponegoro.
Persons with autism in the world now tends to increase. Recent research of Autism Reseach Centre of Cambridge University says there are 58 children with autism per 10,000 births.
"In fact, about 10 years ago there were only about 2-4 children with autism per 10,000 births, so that in Indonesia an estimated 6,900 children born with autism per year," he said.
Therefore, it is compelled to do research on the influence of the intake of food and beverages consumed by children with autism by taking samples in Semarang and Solo.
According to him, the possibility of persons with autism can be treated with certain foods or beverages, for food and beverages have a considerable influence for life.
There is research that states that the diet of the foods and drinks that contain gluten (a protein of wheat) and casein (milk protein) major effect on autism.
However, he said, some opinions even doubt the truth of this theory because it can not be proven scientifically.
"The study was actually very helpful for parents who have children with autism, so that they know what foods and drinks should be avoided," he said.
He took a sample of 160 children with autism of six four therapies in Semarang, called the intervention group and 120 children with autism from five places in Solo called therapy control group.
Through his research, he recommends a strict diet containing casein avoid intake derived from milk, such as cow's milk, milk powder, skim milk, goat's milk, butter, and cheese.
The parents of children with autism are also asked to avoid giving all sorts of intake containing gluten from wheat, for example cereals to children.
"After that, we make observations and counseling to every parent to monitor the implementation of casein and gluten free diet, every two weeks for three months," he said.
Observations and counseling routinely and continuously is important, especially to monitor whether casein and gluten free diet is still run properly.
After observing and monitoring the diet for three months, he found a pretty good development for people with autism, especially in positive behavior change.
"Impaired social interaction behavior, among other unnatural shame, no eye contact, aloof has decreased significantly," he said.
Nonverbal communication disorders, he added, such as mumbling meaningless words, tone and volume of speech is not reasonable, interesting hands are also reduced.
He noted also that the motor behavior disorders, including hyperactivity and running improperly also reduced, as well as emotional distress and sensory perception, for example, likes to lick and do not feel pain when injured.
Results were encouraging diet is supported by various studies in the field of metabolism that shows many autistic children have metabolic disorders, one of which gastrointestinal disorders.
"Digestive disorder found in children with autism is the presence of small holes in the gastrointestinal tract, specifically in gut mucosa," he said.
On the other hand, he said, casein and gluten protein turned out to be the most difficult to digest because it includes a short amino acid peptide that is often called.
He said peptide under normal circumstances usually absorbed only slightly and the rest thrown away, but because of the leakage of the intestinal mucosa make it into the blood circulation.
"In this peptide in the blood only briefly, because most are removed through the urine and the rest goes into the brain which can be attached to the opioid receptors in the brain," he said.
Later, the peptide will be transformed into morphine which may affect the function of the nervous system and can cause behavioral disorders.
Gluten and casein free diet is actually an adjunct therapy that can not be directly cure autism, but it is expected to accelerate the healing process
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