Brain-fog

[Jayne2222]

I was diagnosed with asymptomatic Celiac in the last couple months.  Being that it can be hereditary I had my three kids tested as well.

However, long before I was diagnosed I suspected my daughter might have Celiac b/c of skin issues she'd had her whole life.  Once I was diagnosed I did some reading and came across the symptom of brain fog and that sort of thing.  Immediately I thought of my oldest.  In some instances he has great concentration and other days it's like pulling teeth to have a normal conversation with him, b/c he can't verbilize what he's trying to communicate.  Almost like the words have just escaped his head (he's 13 so it's not like a toddler not knowing the words for things).

I got a call the other day to go in and review the Celiac panel with the dr. For my oldest AKA he's tested positive. (Of course they didn't have the results of the other two kids yet.)

My question is, has anyone experienced the brain fog thing with their children while in school.  I suspect that this has hampered his performance in school for some time. Smart kid, just not stellar report cards.  Which I assumed was lack of effort.  What if the lack of effort was really brain fog making it difficult to get things done, resulting in him giving up.

Has anyone experienced something similar with their kids.  How does one sort things out with school, in terms of support and understanding for at least the time being (until his gut has healed and get the gluten out of his system).

[cyclinglady]

Brain fog is real for those with celiac disease or even Non-celiac Gluten Intolerance.  He may also have another condition which can impact his learning.  If negative for celiac disease, consider getting him evaluated by the school psychologist.  The school should (and is required by law) to help develop a plan for him.   In the US, celiacs can file a 504 plan (American Disabilities Act).  Learn more here:

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If the celiac tests are negative, make sure the complete celiac panel is given to completely rule out celiac disease.    Not all celiacs (like me) test positive to the standard screening TTG test.  Remember, celiac disease can develop at any time.  I test my kid every few years, even if symptom free.  

Keep researching celiac disease.  Being well informed is a great defense!  Take care and ask as many questions as you like.  We are here to help.  

[Jayne2222]

Thanks @cyclinglady ?

They did run a full Celiac panel and I'll get to see the results in a couple weeks.

I think the difficult or complicated part is that he does ok in school.  By no means is he failing.  And does very well in Math and some other subjects.  So it may not be as apparent that this may be affecting him.

What I think may complicate matters is that he has days where things seems fine and other days where things just don't seem to click.

I'll check out that link and see what kind of help that is.  Although we are not in the US so it won't be totally applicable.

[cyclinglady]

My brother was very smart.  Did not apply himself at school.  His verbal conversation responses were, "Yeah, Uh Ha, Nah, and Maybe".  It drove my mother nuts.   She thought he would be a bum.  He did not finish college and my Mom evicted him (family rule was to go to University or get out and earn a living).  He got a job and became computer savvy.  He has been married for over 25 years, has kids, and is a VP at Fortune 100 company.

Thirteen is a tough age.  You just never know how they will turn out!  ?