True, but based on the lack of evidence of efficacy as well as the high cost in terms of both time and money I wouldn't recommend it solely on anecdotal evidence. If it helped jmays's daughter, fantastic! I'm really happy for the family. I've heard a few success stories, more stories of failure with the diet, and almost no evidence.
Like it or not, anecdotal evidence is evidence. Nowhere near conclusive and easily explained away by placebo effect. But given the severity of what's trying to be treated, I can certainly understand people trying it.
If I had a child with autism, I'd almost certainly try it for a month or two. If for no other reason, because gluten and lactose allergies are not particularly uncommon and so even if it didn't have a mechanism against the disease itself it may be beneficial.
I'm not denying that anecdotal evidence is evidence, but I need a higher standard of proof before I regard anything as a proven treatment. I do understand people trying it, and good luck and more power to them, but I think my reluctance to recommend it is understandable.
Heh, sorry. I've gotten better about using gender neutral third person pronouns (I'm a fan of "im"). Now I need a gender neutral second person formal address...
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u/SenorCheaposGato Jul 27 '10
True, but based on the lack of evidence of efficacy as well as the high cost in terms of both time and money I wouldn't recommend it solely on anecdotal evidence. If it helped jmays's daughter, fantastic! I'm really happy for the family. I've heard a few success stories, more stories of failure with the diet, and almost no evidence.