Article

1. February/March 2026 Vol 25.1Elimination of Autism Symptoms Using the Specific Carbohydrate Diet: Literature Review and Case Report
   Authors: Christopher R. D’Adamo PhD, Gabriel Newman PhD, CNutr, BCIA, ABDA, Angela Taylor DCN, MS, CNS, LDN, IFMCP
   Abstract:

   Numerous publications have documented the effectiveness of medical nutrition therapy in alleviating several autism symptoms. This case report reviews the literature and highlights the case of a 4-year-old boy with autism and his improvements following the adoption of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) protocol, which eliminates sugars (except for honey and fruit), grains, lactose, and processed foods. After following the SCD for 17 months, he experienced the elimination of autism symptoms, and his individualized education program (IEP) was dissolved. Long-term follow-up and diagnostic re-evaluation with the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) confirmed an ADOS score of zero. The young man is now 19 and is studying in college. While this case and the literature to date are promising, further investigation is warranted to understand the relationship between gastrointestinal issues, intestinal permeability, nutritional interventions, and autism spectrum disorders.

   Keywords: autism, diet, nutrition, specific carbohydrate diet (SCD), gut and psychology syndrome (GAPS), paleo diet, gluten-free, literature review, case report
   Open Access: Yes
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