Dietary intervention as a tool for maintaining and improving physical health and wellbeing is a widely researched and discussed topic. Speculation that diet may similarly affect mental health and wellbeing particularly in cases of psychiatric and behavioral symptomatology opens up various avenues for potentially improving quality of life. We examine evidence suggestive that a gluten-free (GF), casein-free (CF), or gluten- and casein-free diet (GFCF) can ameliorate core and peripheral symptoms and improve developmental outcome in some cases of autism spectrum conditions. Although not wholly affirmative, the majority of published studies indicate statistically significant positive changes to symptom presentation following dietary intervention. In particular, changes to areas of communication, attention, and hyperactivity are detailed, despite the presence of various methodological shortcomings. Specific characteristics of best- and non-responders to intervention have not been fully elucidated; neither has the precise mode of action for any universal effect outside of known individual cases of food-related co-morbidity. With the publication of controlled medium- and long-term group studies of a gluten- and casein-free diet alongside more consolidated biological findings potentially linked to intervention, the appearance of a possible diet-related autism phenotype seems to be emerging supportive of a positive dietary effect in some cases. Further debate on whether such dietary intervention should form part of best practice guidelines for autism spectrum conditions (ASCs) and onward representative of an autism dietary-sensitive enteropathy is warranted.

No abstract

Further studies are required to validate findings of skewed height, weight and BMI data in PDD.

Background: Elevated levels of impulsivity are considered a significant risk factor for violent behaviour within forensic populations but our knowledge of the causes of impulsivity in forensic populations remains limited. The current review aims to collate and critically evaluate existing research examining the possible associations with impulsive behaviour in forensic populations. Method:A systematic review of the current literature was conducted. Multiple electronic databases including PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ProQuest Criminal Justice and Social Sciences were searched. Methodological quality assessment of eligible articles was completed prior to a narrative synthesis of findings.Results: Nine studies were included for review. Overall, the research was rated to be of "adequate" to "good" quality. Studies were limited in their use of prospective, longitudinal methodological design to assess the relationship between study variables and impulsive behaviour. Factors associated with increased impulsivity which emerged included traumatic brain injury, substance or alcohol misuse, traumatic experiences and sleep problems.Conclusions: There remains little evidence regarding the underlying factors linked with impulsivity in forensic groups and whether it differs from that in the normal population; a question that will require further research. Those factors associated with impulsivity in forensic populations thus far provide the opportunity for more targeted screening for, and treatment of, impulsivity.

There is a considerable body of experimental evidence suggesting potential efficacy of a diet devoid of gluten and casein in ameliorating some of the core and peripheral symptoms of autism spectrum conditions. Although phenotypic details of best-and non-responders to dietary change remain under investigation, the range of biological mechanisms implicated during intervention is growing. The question of how diet works remains unanswered. We discuss three prospective modes of action used alone and in combination to explain the effects of a gluten-and casein-free diet on autism spectrum conditions focussed on direct or co-morbid consequences of: i) gluten sensitive enteropathy or coeliac disease, ii) food allergy and/or atopic disease, and iii) underlying hyperpermeability of the gastrointestinal tract (leaky gut) and subsequent passage of biologically-active peptide and related species into the central nervous system. No single theory offers a universal explanation for the biological basis of dietary effectiveness despite individual associations with various cases of autism. Impaired intestinal barrier function is a common denominator and represents a promising area for investigation. Furthermore, a number of key points derived from each model offer testable markers for experimental evaluation onwards to ascertaining potential responsiveness to such dietary intervention in autism.