A User Guide to the Gf/Cf Diet: For Autism, Asperger Syndrome and Ad/Hd (Paperback)

~ Luke Jackson (Author), Marilyn Le Breton (Foreword) "Over recent years there has been a growing awareness concerning the autistic spectrum but diagnosis criteria still very enormously..." (more)
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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

What is the glueten and casein free diet? Does it work? What's it like to go on it? Luke Jackson, who is 12 years old and has Asperger Syndrome, tells you everything you need to know - both good and bad. He offers encouragement and practical advice on what to expect when beginning the diet, how to alleviate any initial discomfort, and how to live with the diet. Appendices by Luke's mother provide some of the family's favorite recipes, extensive lists of useful addresses, a food diary for an average week, and suggestions for packed lunches, making the book a really practical source of information.

About the Author

Luke Jackson is 12 years old and has three sisters and three brothers, two of whom are also on the autistim spectrum. As a 'user' of the diet, Luke regularly shares his experience on an internet and telephone helpline.

Product Details

• Paperback: 169 pages
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers; 1 edition (January 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 184310055X
• ISBN-13: 978-1843100553
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #511,858 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant, informative book, February 14, 2003

By	"takintime" (Raleigh, NC USA) - See all my reviews

I am the grandmother of a wonderful 6-year-old boy who has been diagnosed autistic, and I've read both Luke Jackson's books (written at ages 12 and 13) in order to get a more complete understanding of the condition from a "kids eye view". I can only hope that Luke keeps writing for the masses.

This particular book is a treasure. The reader is treated to Luke's keen powers of observation and unflagging sense of humor, as always. We also get a couple of chapters written by his exceptional mother, Jacqui, who modestly denies being a "superwoman." (I beg to differ.) It's Jacqui who convinced me that if a woman in charge of a household of eight persons can master the art of gluten-free cooking, then the rest of us just might be equal to the task, as well. Last but not least, recipes, menus, and tips on acquiring and organizing necessary equipment are provided in thorough, easy-to-understand detail.

Perhaps all that might not sound exciting to the average person, but I can assure you that this is one of the most interesting and absorbing books ever to address the titled topics. Witness: in the middle of a work week, I began reading the book at about 11:30 p.m. and read it straight through. I couldn't put it down until I finished at nearly 3:00 a.m.

Inspired by Luke's work, I have gone on line to look up more information about gluten-free diets and related topics and have found a wealth of valuable information. However, the language I used to talk my grandson's family into attempting this new lifestyle came straight from the book reviewed here.

An invaluable resource. A "must" read for anyone dealing with a person who on "the autism scale." Thank you and bravo, Luke, Jacqui and Marilyn Le Breton. You have made a very necessary contribution with this publication.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hearing child's perspective was a great help, August 28, 2002

By	Allison Abbe - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

My son, 6-yr-old with autism, has been on this diet for over 2 years, and I just read this book. It was very interesting reading the perspective of a child on the diet. I am now even more motivated to keep my son on the GF/CF diet. If you're thinking of starting it, this book will settle some of your concerns about implementing it, such as how your child will adjust, whether they really will start eating what you cook, what to do when other family members are not on the diet, etc. The author is also not the only child in his family who is GF/CF; he has two brothers on the diet as well and describes their experiences with it.
Luke and family are in the UK, so the appendices written by his mother will be more helpful for UK than US readers, but there is also lots of information that applies in the US. She provides some sample menus and recipes - there really are plenty of things to eat after eliminating gluten and casein. They have also included a list of sources for products, both for the UK and US.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars understanding gluten/cf diet and autism, September 15, 2007

By	D. Francia "Redfox" (Sydey, Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I found this book very informative and as I also have Luke Jackson's other book freaks geeks and aspergers which I also found great. Both books have given me a much better understanding of my son's High Functioning Autism and how he feels and how I may be able to help him.... I recommend it thoroughly.