The 8 year old girl has a rare digestive disorder. She can't tolerate wheat. The mother thought that a rice cake would suffice. Her first communion was declared invlaid because it contained no wheat. I don't see why they couldn't include her in this rite. The Vatican has certainly changed other church doctrine.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2004/08/20/nj_girl_in_communion_wafer_dispute/
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2004/08/20/nj_girl_in_communion_wafer_dispute/