Among different strategies that are undertaken to help children with autism is the gluten-free, casein-free diet, also called the GFCF diet. This diet eliminates any foods gluten or casein from a child's diet with the hopes of improving digestion and behavior. This diet may appear overwhelming when you consider the foods that contain these ingredients, including most items in the bread and dairy families. However, the good news is that GFCF products are carried at most specialty stores and even some mainstream supermarkets. With some effort, you can create school lunches similar to that of typical children.
Sandwiches
Sandwiches are a staple in the lunches of most school-age children, and can be included in the lunch of an autistic child on the GFCF diet as well. You will have to opt for the GFCF version of sandwich bread. Different types of bread you can choose include brown rice bread and white rice loaf, which can be found at specialty food stores. You can make your child a nut butter sandwich using peanut butter or almond or cashew butter--always check labels to be safe. Additionally, you can make your child a sandwich using deli meats that do not contain nitrates.
Soup
Soup from a thermos is a popular choice for school lunches on cold days, and it can be an option for a child on the GFCF diet as well. There are a number of GFCF soups that can be found in both mainstream and specialty grocery stores. Check out the organic food aisles in the grocery store you visit and you should easily find soups branded to be gluten- and casein-free in a variety of flavors ranging from chunky vegetable to split pea.
Beverages
A child with autism on the GFCF diet does not have to stick to water as his beverage of choice at school. You can send him a bottle of iced tea in any flavor or a small carton of orange juice to accompany his lunch. If he prefers milk, you can send him with a small carton of rice milk or almond milk as a delicious substitute.
Snacks
No school lunch would be complete without several snacks, and there is quite a variety of GFCF-approved snacks from which you can choose. Corn chips fit the GFCF bill. Additionally, there are a variety of fruits you can choose from, including raisins, pears, apples and mangoes. If your child has a sweet tooth, you can include some GFCF candies in his lunchbox, such as jelly beans or gummy bears. These products are typically made without gluten or casein; however, it is a good rule of practice to always check the ingredients on the back of the package to be safe.
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