Can a Gluten-Free Diet Help Children with Apraxia of Speech? A Holistic Approach for Moms
- Tori Starling
- Jun 25
- 9 min read
Updated: Jul 2
When my son was a little less than a year into speech therapy, his speech started consistently getting worse instead of better. From the beginning, his apraxia was always one step forward and two steps back. I would see a little progress, and then the next day it would be gone. But never had it stalled out completely.
Our SLP’s solution for this regression was to start over with the Kaufman Cards Kit 1 that he had been working on since he began speech therapy. She also suggested I stop working with him at home because she thought he was burned out and shutting down.
I remember driving home that day — my eyes full of tears in a numb daze — wondering what to do next. I was doing all the “right” things … apraxia-specific private speech therapy two times a week, preschool three mornings a week, daily speech drills and games at home every day.
But it wasn’t working.
Life with apraxia felt like a full-time job. And having two other children with busy schedules, laundry, chores, etc. made me feel like my life was spinning out of control. Also, the internet in 2012 was young that time, and there was very little information on Childhood Apraxia of Speech.
But around that same time, a window of opportunity opened. I was blogging about our journey with apraxia back then, and I stumbled upon the work of Dr. Claudia Morris who mentioned that gluten sensitivity may be a possible contributing factor to apraxia.
But I was still skeptical … and distressed. He already had multiple food allergies and the thought of taking more food out of his diet felt impossible. What seemed more impossible though, was continuing on a path that seemed to have no end in sight.
If you're reading this, chances are you're navigating similar waters—overwhelmed, searching, and hoping for answers that actually help. Let’s explore one of the most asked-about dietary changes for kids with apraxia and autism: going gluten-free.
What Is Childhood Apraxia of Speech?
In my own words, Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), is a motor speech disorder where a child’s brain knows what to say, but the mouth, tongue, and jaw can’t move correctly to make the words come out. The messaging in between the brain and the mouth get lost, and speech is scrambled, making errors inconsistent. Frequent, intense speech therapy is necessary in order to build a strong and consistent brain-mouth connection.
Why Parents Are Exploring Dietary Changes for Apraxia
Two-thirds of children with autism also have apraxia, but to my knowledge, the stats for how many children with apraxia also have autism is unknown. (1). Most of the research concerning alternative, add-on support like diet changes and nutritional supplementation has been done in the autism and ADHD population.
In the 2024 study, "Reversal of Autism Symptoms among Dizygotic Twins," one of the interventions used was a "gluten-free, casein-free diet that was low in sugar and no exposure to artificial colors, dyes, or ultra-processed foods." (2)
According to the book, “Healing the New Childhood Epidemics,” by Dr. Kenneth Bock, approximately 65% of kids with autism show improvement on the gluten-free, casein-free diet. Similar results are also seen with the ADHD population. (3)
Apraxia of speech comes in all shapes and sizes, and the amount of time it takes to get out of speech therapy varies. One problem parents have, is that private speech therapy with a single diagnosis of Childhood Apraxia of Speech, typically is not covered by insurance, or coverage is limited and isn’t 100%. Free, public school speech therapy is an option, but sometimes due to heavy case loads, there is group, not individual therapy. Or, the SLP isn’t a specialist in apraxia.
Some parents are turning to holistic support for apraxia to see if other interventions can be used with speech therapy in order to accomplish better, faster results. Like me, they feel like their child’s diagnosis is running their life and also see the logic of supporting the whole-child in order to optimize the health of the brain and body.
Others see glimpses that their child’s brain is capable of producing speech and question why the words don’t stick. For my case in particular, I noticed speech surges after my son ate chocolate or did a Pulmicort asthma breathing treatment. This showed me that there was more to his puzzle, and I wanted to try to unlock that potential on a regular basis.
The Connection Between Gluten and Brain Function
Gluten is a protein found in wheat that can create an inflammatory response in people who are sensitive to it. It is possible for gluten sensitivity to affect both the gut and the brain. In these cases, gluten triggers an immune response where the body views this protein as the enemy and creates antibodies to fight it. When this occurs, cytokines are released, which can interfere with brain function. This may show up as trouble with focus, learning, and/or memory. (4)
Often if someone is sensitive to gluten, they are also sensitive to casein, which is one of the proteins that is found in dairy.
The “opioid excess theory” believes that some children with autism are not able to fully break down gluten and casein into amino acids during digestion. Instead, small peptides with opioid qualities are formed. These pass through the leaky gut, enter the bloodstream, and are thought to cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the central nervous system. Once they are in the brain, they bind to opioid receptors, which can potentially interfere with brain function. (5)
Symptoms that may improve with the gluten-free, casein-free diet are: poor language skills, bowel disorders, mood disorders, hyperactivity, skin problems, insomnia, fatigue, and cognitive disorders. (6)
While gluten (or dairy) isn’t a proven cause of apraxia or autism, it may act as an aggravating factor in kids who are sensitive to it. By reducing that potential source of inflammation, the body may become better equipped to heal, respond to therapy, and regulate neurological processes.
Implementing a gluten and casein free diet was one component of my son’s healing regime, and we are a success story. And guess what?!? After I hired a new speech therapist who also integrated hand cues for motor planning support, he did not have to start over with Kaufman Kit 1, and he flew through Kaufman Kit 2. If you want to read more on what our results were like in real time, check out my 2013 blog post, “Beating Apraxia.” (7)
But because I did several things at once, I wasn’t 100 percent sure that the diet change was a primary factor in his improvement. After he tested out of apraxia, I tried adding dairy back into his diet by giving him a mozzarella cheese stick each day. This was not successful. In a three week time frame, he experienced a chronic stuffy nose, fevers, hysterical laughter for no reason, chewing on his shirt collar, and hanging upside down on the couch while watching TV or playing on the iPad. These reactions scared me, and I paused with the experiment and decided not to test gluten.
What the Research Says About Gluten and Apraxia
The research regarding Childhood Apraxia of Speech and the correlation with gluten sensitivity is limited, although there are a couple of pertinent studies to be noted:
1.) “Syndrome of Allergy, Apraxia, & Malabsorption: Characterization of a Neurodevelopmental Phenotype That Responds to Omega 3 and Vitamin E Supplementation,” Claudia Morris, MD and Marilyn Agin, MD, 2009.
This study’s primary focus was on vitamin E and omega-3 supplementation for 187 children with apraxia of speech, but a few kids were also tested for gluten sensitivity. The results were as follows:
High anti-gliadin IgG antibodies in 15 out of 22 (68%).
“Ten children had HLA testing done and 100% revealed the presence of a gluten-sensitivity HLA genotype.” (8)
If you are interested in learning more about this study and the gluten component, see this YouTube video [minute 19:20] with Dr. Claudia Morris. (9)
2.) “Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Exploring Gluten Sensitivity and Changes in Glutamate and GABA Plasma Levels,” 2024.
This study included 120 children divided into three groups: Childhood Apraxia of Speech (30), delayed language development (60), and neurotypical children (30). The results were as follows:
Children with apraxia had elevated levels of the anti-gliadin IgA antibody and glutamate, and lower levels of GABA. (More on glutamate and GABA in upcoming blog posts).
There are multiple references cited at the bottom of this study if you’d like to do more reading on your own. (10)
3.) Anecdotal cases:
There are also anecdotal cases both in the apraxia and autism communities from parents, doctors, and other health professionals that report improvements in speech on the gluten-free, casein-free diet.
Is Gluten-Free Right for Your Child? Things to Consider
Although there is evidence that removing gluten and casein has the potential to improve symptoms, it can often feel like a huge mountain that feels impossible for parents to climb. And there are certainly negatives: a child who has to eat different food(s) at school and parties, extra parental prep time, eating that feels more restrictive in nature, and speciality items that are often more expensive.
Because of these challenges, I think testing, not guessing, makes a lot of sense. Knowledge is power, and having this information will help you to make informed decisions not only for a child's current speech struggles, but also to support their health as they continue to grow and develop.
Also, speaking from personal experience … if things get hard and you want to give up, if you know for a *fact* not a *guess* that your child is sensitive to gluten, it will be easier to stay on track and dedicated to the plan.
It is usually recommended that you remove gluten and casein for three months in order to determine if these foods are in fact, problematic for your child. So, taking this reality into consideration is important when weighing the pros and cons.
Testing Options for Gluten Sensitivity
There are a few ways to test for gluten sensitivity, so discuss your options with your pediatrician, integrative or MAPS doctor, or other trusted health professional. The following are common gluten sensitivity tests:
IgG antibody testing for gluten
Gliadin IgA & IgG (Doctor's Data -- Celiac & Gluten Sensitivity Test
Genetic testing for HLA variants
My son began his holistic apraxia attack plan in September of 2012 right when he turned four years old. At that time, he did an ALCAT test, which showed a "severe intolerance" to wheat and a "moderate reaction" to gliadin, which is one of the components of gluten. He also showed a "moderate reaction" to casein.
A couple of years later, I also did a nutritional genetic variant report with Tree of Life, which has continued to be a golden source of information. I actually found out about this company from a grandmother I met at my older son's travel baseball game in Myrtle Beach. Both me and my son have recently submitted our saliva samples for an updated and more expansive test with them.
Over the years, I have stuck with the following tests to keep an eye on the status of his gluten sensitivity since he now eats gluten freely without cognitive issues:
Total IgG Antibody
Total IgA Antibody
IgE for Gluten, Wheat, Milk & Casein
IgG for Gluten
How to Start a Gluten-Free Diet Without Getting Overwhelmed
Every child is different, but exploring a gluten-free diet under the guidance of a knowledgeable practitioner can be a low-risk, holistic option worth considering.
Here are a few tips for making the transition to a gluten-free diet a little easier:
Start with breakfast swaps
Focus on naturally gluten-free foods (fruits, veggies, rice, potatoes, etc.)
Buy things online that are delivered to your house like produce co-ops and stores like Vitacost.
Seek support from a holistic health practitioner, integrative MD, nutritionist, or dietician.
In Closing
You're already doing so much—and your love, advocacy, and intuition matter more than you realize. There’s no one-size-fits-all path for Childhood Apraxia of Speech, but with knowledge and support, you can find what works best for your child. Whether gluten-free is the right next step or just part of a broader journey, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
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Curious about whether a gluten-free diet could help your child? Although it is outside of my scope of practice to provide you with a particular diet recommendation or meal plans, I can provide you with additional resources, testing options, and specialist recommendations if you feel like you need more support than I am able to provide.
I offer educational material and personalized, no-pressure consultations to help moms like you explore holistic options for apraxia of speech—without the overwhelm. Let’s put together a gentle plan that fits your family’s needs and values. For more information, click here to get started.
Sources:
(1) “Apraxia a Common Occurrence in Autism, Study Finds,” by AHSA. September, 2015.
(2) "Reversal of Autism Symptoms among Dizygotic Twins through a Personalized Lifestyle and Environmental Modification Approach: A Case Report and Review of the Literature,: by Christopher R D'Adamo, Josephine Nelson, Sara Miller, Maria Rickert Hong, Elizabeth Lambert, Healther Tallman Ruhm. Journal of Personalized Medicine, June 15, 2024. https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4426/14/6/641
(3) "Healing the New Childhood Epidemices," pg. 154, by Dr. Kenneth Bock.
(4) “Gluten Sensitivity and the Impact on the Brain.” by David Perlmutter, MD. November 21, 2010. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/gluten-impacts-the-brain_b_785901
(5) “Outsmarting Autism,” by Patricia S. Lemur.
(6) “Healing the New Childhood Epidemics,” pg. 206, by Dr. Kenneth Bock.
(7) “Beating Apraxia,” by Tori Starling. Jake’s Journey with Apraxia, January 3, 2013. https://jakes-journey-apraxia.com/2013/01/03/beating-apraxia/
(8) “Syndrome of Allergy, Apraxia, & Malabsorption: Characterization of a Neurodevelopmental Phenotype That Responds to Omega 3 and Vitamin E Supplementation,” by Claudia Morris, MD and Marilyn Agin, MD. Alternative Therapies, July/August, 2009.
(9) “GOED Exchange 2011: Plenary Session 5 — Innovative Uses of EPA and DHA,” by Dr. Claudia Morris. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3Nc76D7nPg
(10) “Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Exploring Gluten Sensitivity and Changes in Glutamate and GABA Plasma Levels,” Pediatric Neurology, February, 2024.
Simply Holistic Solutions, LLC provides general health information intended for educational & informational purposes only. The information on this website is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice, diagnosis, or consultation with a medical professional. Always check with your child's physician, speech-language pathologist, dietician, nutritionist, or trusted healthcare professional(s) before trying or implementing any information obtained here.
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