Okay so my son who is 17 mo has major sensory eating issues and also gags on everything. If it is indeed a gluten allergy that is feeding his devlopmental delay how in the world can I out him on a gluten free diet if all he eats is babyfood and oatmeal!

Martha - posted on 02/02/2009

my oldest son had the exact same problem when he was a baby and when I took him to the peaditricain he didn't even listen to anything I was telling him, when I finally got proffessionals to listen to me several years later and they finally would test my son he was diagnosed with Autism and he had low muscle tone which means his body didn't know how to properly work his muscles and had to have OT to strengthen his muscles. He also had sensory issues with eating on top of that and had to touch all his food to feel the texture if he could swallow it and we are still working on reversing him from doing this, I think if they took me more seriously it might not be so bad as still at the age of 10 1/2 we have to tell him not to touch his food and use his utensils. We also had to mash all his food as a baby so he could eat thats how week his muscles were and he couldn't eat anything that would have a texture that was slimy but keep pushing those doctors and peadtricains to listen to you so you get help sooner as I wouldn't want you to go through years of this, I know it's lots of work and good luck to you.

Kelly - posted on 01/31/2009

My 3yr old daughter does not have autism, but does have all the sensory problems and eating problems as your son. She was on 100% purrees untl she was 2 yrs old. With the incredible help of an OT and listening therapy, we have her eating chicken nuggets, spaghetti, deli meats, and anything crunchy-- but it is a lot of work! He may always have food texture sensitivites, but it will improve if you get the right help. Good Luck!

Danielle - posted on 01/31/2009

This is all great! He is indeed eating ALOT of pediasure but I want him eto learn to eat and strting dealing with texture. Will it ever happen?

Sarah - posted on 01/31/2009

If you can get a hold of an occupational therapist who specialises in kids with sensory issues he/she will be able to help with the sensory issues with food.

As for the gluten thing have you had a look at Sue dengates book, fed up - it has lots of reeipes and also the RPA has a series of books on food allergies, we have just gotten Friendly foods which seems good.

Could you possibly blend/food process the gluten free foods to a puree consistency?

Jessica - posted on 01/30/2009

I'm not an expert or anything but my daughter is completely G-tube fed and she eats Pediasure, pediasure is gluten free (not casein free) and if your child gets about 1,000 mls or 4 cans in a day they are taking in the total required nutrition and calories for that day.  So if you really want to cut out gluten and ensure that he is getting enough calories and nutrition I am guessing you could give lots of pediasure and then whatever else he is willing to eat would just be extra. 

Dana - posted on 01/30/2009

Okay, this answer is totally no fun and stinks.  But my son had severe allergies as a child and I couldn't do any baby food.  What I did was look at the stores, write down all the foods so I would have ideas, buy them naturally (or frozen for fruits) and make my own.  Ice cube trays work great for this because you can make in bulk and then freeze...each slot in the tray is equal to about 1 oz. 

On another note, I know that many people who read this will respond negatively, but since I spend all my time working professional with children with autism, I feel I have to say that there is not sufficient data to support that a gluten free diet will help.  My advice to all my parents who want to do this diet is to try it, give it 3 weeks, if you don't see a difference you aren't likely to.  Allergens are gone by that time.  In my experience having a specific diet gets parents to think more along the lines of feeding their children better and supplimenting with vitamins which leads to less illnesses and thus better behaviors.

You may also try to deal with the sensory issues surrounding his feeding by putting on a glove (or washing your hands really well first) and just getting him used to having stuff in his mouth.  Just run your index finger on his tongue and around his cheeks to help get him used to it.  He'll hate it at first but it will get better.  This will also help with toothbrushing in the future.  If he's gagging because he isn't using his tongue to move food around you probably want to have him see a speech clinican for an eval because it will affect his ability to make sounds and words.

Good luck!

Dana