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My 3 Year Old And Celiac

The Lambs

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The Lambs Newbie
The Lambs
Posted

Hello Everyone,

This is my first time in the forum and my first post. My 3 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with Celiac and soon after my husband. they have totally different sypmtoms. My daughter has never had regular stools and has always had what we thought were anger issues. After reading many of these posts i feel so helpless and bad having no idea what she may have been going through as she can't really discribe everythign symptom in such detail. It seems that she gets sick every time she eats anything! We have gone totally gluten free as a family. Are there any suggestions out there for ways to help her cope with this huge change? Has anyone else noticed aggression in thier own Celiac kid? Does it get any better or easier ever?

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mamaw Community Regular
mamaw
Posted

My youngest grandchild was dx'd at 2 1/2 years old , now 11 1/2... Nothing would stay in this kids stomach & crying & not sleeping were other issues .. Not a happy camper ever. After the gluten-free lifestyle change a new world brgan. Now it didn't happen overnight , it took a year or better to see a big change but little by little ..

I also would check the vit & mins levels as most do not get enough & with celiac being the disease it is , the child may be very deficient in vits & mins...

It is also common for kids to be very picky eaters so make a few surprises for them to eat.. cutie gluten-free foods that will make them want to eat..

Watch out for hidden gluten and CC in the kitchen ie: pots, Pans, strainers, plastic utensils, toaster, cutting board , things that once maybe was used with gluten ....

Pets foods most contain gluten so if your child plays on the floor , plays with the pet she may be ingesting gluten through the pet food.. This happens alot & people never think of a small child & pet food. Think Dog eating gluten licking a child's face & mouth ...

A product called calm stress for kids may help...

Mom-of-Two Contributor
Mom-of-Two
Posted

What did her normal diet include?

Kid friendly foods:

Ian's chicken nuggets

Annie's gluten-free mac and cheese

Tinkyada noodles are eaten just the same by my glutenous pasta lovers :D

gluten-free pretzels, Glutino or Snyder's

Van's waffles

PBJ on gluten free bread

Grilled cheese

Chex cereals

Pirate's Booty

Envirokidz cereals

Larabars, nuts if kids like them

Popcorn

- Be sure bath soap is gluten free, lotion, hand soap, vitamins, cold meds, etc, chap stick is a big one! Toothpaste, mouthwash.

beachbirdie Contributor
beachbirdie
Posted

Hello Everyone,

This is my first time in the forum and my first post. My 3 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with Celiac and soon after my husband. they have totally different sypmtoms. My daughter has never had regular stools and has always had what we thought were anger issues. After reading many of these posts i feel so helpless and bad having no idea what she may have been going through as she can't really discribe everythign symptom in such detail. It seems that she gets sick every time she eats anything! We have gone totally gluten free as a family. Are there any suggestions out there for ways to help her cope with this huge change? Has anyone else noticed aggression in thier own Celiac kid? Does it get any better or easier ever?

At 3, your daughter will probably adjust just fine, and very quickly! Having adults around her with a positive, matter-of-fact attitude can make it very easy on her. It is probably a harder adjustment for the grownups!

You've gotten some great ideas already, I won't duplicate those, but I wanted to reassure you and let you know you do not need to beat yourself up for what you could not help. Celiac is diagnosed in only 1% of the population, meaning it isn't all THAT common though science is beginning to think the spectrum is larger than previously thought. With such a small population of celiacs around, you couldn't possibly know to associate your daughter's difficulties with something like this! Your post shows you are a loving mom, and you're going to do a great job with this from now on!

I would give the behavior a little time, sometimes people have a hard time getting off gluten because it has some addictive properties. There can be a very real withdrawal period. After a month or two, I'll bet you will see some wonderfully positive changes in your little girl.

No one else told you this little secret, but you managed to find what I think is the best celiac community on the Internet. Welcome! :)

Cara in Boston Enthusiast
Cara in Boston
Posted

My son was diagnosed at age 5 and had zero symptoms. At a doctor's visit I mentioned that we were suddenly struggling with terrible behavior - like nothing we had ever seen - and she tested him for celiac.

Off gluten he is is our funny, sweet, boy. When accidently glutened, he is horrible. Tantrums at the slightest frustration, screams and yells at everyone. If you correct him, tell him no, or otherwise challenge him, he gets angry to the point of throwing things and slamming doors, etc. No consequences seem to matter. He is now 7, so this is more of an issue (what will I do when he is 17?) When he is like this, he is also just not himself - doesn't enjoy legos, reading is boring, homework impossible, etc. etc. Just sits around complaining that there is nothing to do. He also gets depressed ("nobody loves me", "I can't do anything right", etc.)

Strangely, he keeps it together at school and has had nothing but great behavior there.

The bad times usually last a few days, then things gradually get better until he is back to normal. Unfortunately, he seems to be sensitive to even the slightest amount of gluten.

I can sort of tell when he is just being (normal) bad and when he is not in control of his behavior, but my husband doesn't see the subtle differences. I also have celiac, so sometimes we both feel it at the same time and it is easier to figure out that we ate something (tried a new tomato sauce, ate out, something like that.)

As he is getting older, the behavior is still there, but he is showing other symptoms. Stomach ache, more visits to the bathroom, etc. I think his symptoms will change over time.

The doctors (both his Celiac GI and his pediatrician) have suggested some play-based, anger management therapy sessions. We have yet to make the appointment, but I think they might be helpful.

Good luck -

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