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Gluten And Child Behaviour

mommyto3

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mommyto3 Contributor
mommyto3
Posted

Hi Everyone!

I'm newly diagnosed and having my son tested right now for gluten sensitivity (waiting for results). He's 6 years old and one of the main reasons I want him tested is because of his behaviour. Don't know if this is common but everytime he eats gluten the reaction is like clockwork. About 2 hours afterwards the child is uncontrollably HYPER. And I don't mean your standard "had too much sugar" hyper, I mean totally out of control. He's like a wild animal, screaming, jumping around, you can't reason with him, he can't even stop himself long enough to listen to a word you say. It's hard because it's so easy to get angry with him yet I know it's not his fault.

A couple of months ago in addition to the hyper-activity he started getting a really nasty scaly rash around his mouth and he just craved gluten like nothing I've ever seen. It wouldn't be uncommon for him to eat 5 bowls of mini-wheats....he couldn't get enough! It's the rash that tipped me off and I think the craving might also be related.

Just looking for input from other parents. Have you all experienced symptoms/reactions like this in your kids?

Thanks for listening :o)

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seezee Explorer
seezee
Posted

That happens to my nephew who has celiac too. I think it's pretty common.

dilettantesteph Collaborator
dilettantesteph
Posted

My son had all sorts of behavioral problems prior to diagnosis that went away gluten free. Also rashes. Now he gets DH when glutened.

welshbird Newbie
welshbird
Posted

Hi,

My 5 year old boy was also uncontrollable for periods during the day (have a look at my other posts). He is now on a gluten and dairy free diet which has transformed him. We still have our moments but they are no longer dictating our family's life. The facial rash didn't clear until we stopped dairy.

I completely sympathise with you about getting cross with your boy - I found it impossible not to lose my temper with all his unreasonableness/objections/violence towards others. Always felt guilty. Now that he is better this is no longer an issue as normal behavioural techniques work. On the positive side, I am finding it a joy being with my 3 year old as he doesn't even require the naughty step.

My youngest boy (3) doesn't have any behavioural problems but he did develop a rash over his face which didn't clear up for many months and potty training was impossible as he didn't have a clue. We put him on the same diet in April for a few weeks and the rash cleared, he is now potty trained and he seemed to have more energy. Although he is not gluten and dairy free any more I limit the amounts that he now has.

Please let us know if your son does have celiacs as I have not had my son tested. I am still not convinced as he didn't have any proper GI symptoms apart from a stomach ache.

Grace'smom Explorer
Grace'smom
Posted

My daughter did not have any physical symptoms, and still had - and I quote - "full blown celiac disease", per the GI following an endoscopy. We learned by an 'accidentally' ordered blood panel that her levels were indicative of celiac. They followed her via bloodwork for 10 mos. and then did the scope in May. I just wanted to share that, yes, the tummy aches are "enough" to warrant following your son w/blood panels and if they are positive, the GI will order the scope. Good luck.

mommyto3 Contributor
mommyto3
Posted
  • Author

My daughter did not have any physical symptoms, and still had - and I quote - "full blown celiac disease", per the GI following an endoscopy. We learned by an 'accidentally' ordered blood panel that her levels were indicative of celiac. They followed her via bloodwork for 10 mos. and then did the scope in May. I just wanted to share that, yes, the tummy aches are "enough" to warrant following your son w/blood panels and if they are positive, the GI will order the scope. Good luck.

Wow...how lucky finding it accidentally! I'm waiting for test results from Enterolab right now for my son. I tried and tried but he is terrified of needles so there was no way to get a blood sample. Enterolab is pricey but at least I'll know for sure. And my son doesn't have tummy troubles either. In fact, my stomach problems only happened about 6 months ago but I'm pretty sure I've been Celiac for at least 10 years. That's why I decided to test him in the absence of GI probs. The behaviour alone rash was enough to set my warning bells off.

Thanks for the input! I sure hope we figure this out and I see the positive changes in behaviour (and stop wanting to send him to military school lol). It's really difficult for kids to live without gluten but at least we'll be in it together :)

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