During stage 1, 72 Danish children aged 4 to 11 years were assigned to GFCF diet (A) or no-diet (B) groups. Participants were assessed at baseline, 8, and 12 months using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS) to assess core autism behaviours; Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (VABS) to ascertain developmental level; and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – IV scale (ADHD-IV) to determine inattention and hyperactivity. Based on per protocol analysis, data for 26 diet children and 29 controls were available at 12 months. At this point, there was a significant improvement in the GFCF diet group on sub-domains of ADOS, GARS and ADHD-IV measures. At this point, given the improvement seen in the treatment group (A), the control group (B) was also offered treatment. Data from18 group A and 17 group B participants were available at 24 months. Analysis based on inter- and intra-group comparisons showed evidence of sustained clinical group improvements with a possible plateau effect for diet. Further studies are required to ascertain potential best- and non-responders to intervention. (Nutr Neurosci. 2010 Apr;13(2):87-100.) PMID: 20406576
