Gastrointestinal Problems in Autism Spectrum Disorders

A significant percentage of children with autism spectrum disorder have gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, reflux, gaseousness and foul smelling stools.

Dr. Timothy Buie, a pediatric gastroenterologist from Harvard University and Mass. General Hospital is perhaps the nation's leading authority on this condition in autism.

Dr. Buie has performed over 400 gastrointestinal endoscopies along with biopsies and digestive enzyme function tests in children with autism spectrum disorder in the nation's largest sudy on gastrointestinal problems and autism.

The findings showed upon biopsy, the presence of chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, along with esophagitis, gastritis and enterocolitis. The enzyme testing showed that the children have enzyme levels below normal. 55% of these children also had lactase deficiencies (which breaks down lactose in milk) and deficiencies of the enzyme sucrase (the enzyme for digestion of table sugar).

These disorders, especially reflux esophagitis and disaccharide malabsorption may contribute to the behavioral problems of non-verbal autistic children. As Dr. Buie reports, "These children are ill, in distress and pain and not just mentally and neurologically dysfunctional."

Dr. Buie's findings also support reports of improvement of many autistic spectrum children who are put on wheat and dairy (gluten, casein) free diets. Dr. Buie says that Harvard wants to do research into the use of protein enzyme supplements, which aid in the digestion of wheat and milk products for treatment.

'Leaky Gut' Syndrome

Many autistic individuals have permeable intestinal tracts which are often referred to as 'leaky gut'. There appear to be many reasons for leaky gut in autism spectrum disorder including viral infection, yeast infection and a reduction of enzymes which line the intestinal tract and protect it from leakiness. Also, it is thought that heavy metals in the intestinal tract can weaken the membranes and cause leaky gut syndrome.

Food Sensitivities

Many people with autism spectrum disorders are sensitive to certain food products. The most common sensitivities seem to be to grains and dairy products. Also, strawberries and citrus fruits are high on the list.

Food sensitivities are considered to be allergies due to the fact that in autism, one's immune system is overly reactive to these substances. Food sensitivities may be responsible for numerous physical and behavioral problems in autism, such as headaches, stomachaches, feelings of nausea, bed-wetting, appearing 'spaced out,' stuttering, excessive whining and crying, sleeping problems, hyperactivity, aggression, sound sensitivity, temper tantrums, fatigue, depression, intestinal problems (i.e., gas, diarrhea, constipation), muscle aches in the legs, ear infections and possibly seizures.

Sources:
Dr. Timothy Buie, Boston General Hospital

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