I need a Dr. for my Gluten Sensitive 7 year old in Norman, Oklahoma

[Katharine]

I have a son that has exhibited gluten sentivity since he was very young.  I decided to put him on a gluten free diet on my own to see if his symptoms and behavior changed at all.   It was a wonderful improvement.  But, the Oklahoma Asthma and Allergy clinic tested him for Gluten Allergies and found nothing.  I went gluten free with my son 2 years ago and found that I felt much better too.  My problem is that my son's Dad (NOT MY HUSBAND)  does not understand or appreciate how important eating glutten free is for him.  He makes fun of me and asks me "are you a Doctor?".   Does anyone know of a Nutritionist or Doctor in Oklahoma that can help support my son and I in our quest to understand gluten sensitivity?  We are healthier and happier not eating gluten but we seem to be up against a difference of opinion from other family members that feed him gluten and tell him not to tell anyone.  

[cyclinglady]

Welcome!  Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a gluten allergy.  You can be allergic to wheat, but not to gluten.  Celiac Disease is an autoiummuine disease that happens to trigger "flare-up" when exposed to gluten (attacks the small intestine).  To get tested you have to be consuming gluten daily for a period of 8 to 12 weeks (blood tests).  Non-celiac gluten sensitivity  is determined after ruling out celiac disease and then trying the gluten free diet.  

For a child, a diagnosis is important so that schools can accommodate their gluten-free  diet (not to mention relatives....) 

Please learn more at the University of Chicago's celiac website:

Open Original Shared Link

Take care!  

[Stephanie78]

Katherine I changed my sons diet to gluten free soy free dairy free because of his adhd and sensory disorder he was a completely changed child NO MEDICATIONS NEEDED it is the ASD diet!!! His school wasn't on board at first but they said they would try it and they admitted the wished they would have listened to me !!! 

[Stephanie78]

I told them it was against my religion to give my child gluten and the teacher actually told me that wasn't fair for me to say that.. I told her if my son couldn't have pork due to his religion would they give it to him ?! That is when she agreed... Literally 3 days into school after Christmas break she sent a note home saying we are now enjoying a calmer and happier Dylan... His goal was to be able to sit during circle time ... And he did it!!!!!

[stri8ed]

As the others have alluded to, gluten sensitivity is not an allergy, which means it cannot be detected using the transitional means. That being said, there is growing research and many MD's who are beginning to acknowledge the many adverse effects gluten can have on susceptible individuals.

I suggest you encourage the dad to read up on the latest research on gluten sensitivity. If you are seeking out a doctor, your best bet may be a functional MD (I have seen one in Chicago who was well aware of gluten sensitivity).

A good recent article on this - Open Original Shared Link

Be sure to read the comments.

 

[Gemini]

On 8/5/2016 at 10:11 PM, Stephanie78 said:

I told them it was against my religion to give my child gluten and the teacher actually told me that wasn't fair for me to say that.. I told her if my son couldn't have pork due to his religion would they give it to him ?! That is when she agreed... Literally 3 days into school after Christmas break she sent a note home saying we are now enjoying a calmer and happier Dylan... His goal was to be able to sit during circle time ... And he did it!!!!!

I have to admit, that was a brilliant thing you said to the teacher!    I like the comparison to pork and I'm going to have to remember that one.