Sweet Faces of Celiac Disease: Meet Aiden

Aiden is 5 years old and was diagnosed with celiac disease at 4 years old. 

What symptoms was your child having before being diagnosed?

Sensory 

Iron Deficiency 

Fatigue

Long melt downs that were not like him

Random dropping episodes we thought were seizures.

Blank stares and tuning out.

Tooth enamel defects

Headaches

"Hot belly"

Any other family members diagnosed with celiac disease?

Mother may have Celiac but was gluten free prior to testing. Baby brother has far more symptoms but negative on blood work (2yo).

How has your child’s life changed since being diagnosed?

Aiden's sensory issues are gone! He can now enjoy things that were once painful for him.  He will ride a bike now, go on swings, can sit still and enjoys fireworks without sheer panic.  Crowded places aren't too loud and his school lunch room isn't too much for him to handle.  His ADHD symptoms improved dramatically as did his behavior. He very seldom has melt downs.

What advice would you offer a parent who’s child was just diagnosed with celiac disease?

It will be ok. It's hard seeing your little one have to suffer. It's hard to just up and change your lifestyle and it isn't easy. But it's worth it. Find a community near you and make friends with fellow children with celiac disease. Many hospitals have wonderful programs for our kiddos.

Wow Aiden, look at you! It sounds like you're doing wonderful! Jack loves to play baseball too! :)

Aiden had so many asymptomatic symptoms, I'm so happy they were able to diagnosis him when they did. Raising awareness of the many asymptomatic symptoms is so important. 

Thank you Aiden for helping raise awareness!!