Gastro-Intestinal Problems and Autism

Adult with stomach pains Many people with autism are reported to suffer from gastro-intestinal (GI) problems.

Symptoms may include one or more of the following:

- Constipation

- Stomach pains

- Indigestion

- Diarohhea

- Gaseousness or bloating

- Discoloured, watery stools

- Reflux or vomiting

- Night time wakening

- Unexplained irritability

Personal Accounts

We have yet to identify any personal accounts of GI problems in people with autism.

Statistics

It is difficult to know how many people on the autism spectrum suffer from GI problems because the evidence is mixed and confusing. A study by Erkison and others (2005), which reviewed more than 70 other studies, stated that the actual rate could be anything between 17% and 86%.

There are some scientific studies which claim that a significant number of people on the autism spectrum have GI problems. For example

“Three surveys conducted in the United States described high prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autistic disorder.” (Horvarth, 2002).

And there are some studies which claim that GI problems are no more prevalent in people on the autism spectrum than in other people.

“No evidence was found that children with autism were more likely than children without autism to have had defined gastrointestinal disorders at any time before their diagnosis of autism.” (Black, 2000)

The study by Erkison concluded that it was impossible to know for sure because

‘There is a lack of published rigorous data to support increased GI symptomatology in autistic children.’

Of course, this does not mean that there are not many people on the autism spectrum who also have GI problems. It means that there is a lack of scientifically valid and reliable data to show that this is the case.

Causes

There are various theories about what causes GI problems in people on the autism spectrum, some of them highly controversial and disputed.

Many of the GI problems found in people on the autism spectrum are likely to have the same causes as they do in other people who have GI problems.

However, some people believe that people on the autism spectrum are especially susceptible to GI problems because

they have leaky gut syndrome, a disorder in which the intestinal lining is inflamed and more porous than normal
their diet lacks sufficient fibre and/or nutrients, such as essential fatty acids, minerals or vitamins.
they are more likely to be allergic to or unable to digest certain substances, such as gluten or casein
they are more prone to viral infections, such as viral gastroenteritis
they are more prone to bacterial infections, such as clostridium
they are more prone to fungal infections, such as candida
they are more prone to gastro-intestinal parasites, such as giardia
they are more prone to adverse reactions to some medications, including some anti-inflammatory drugs and some anti-biotics
they are more likely to swallow non-food items, such as soil
they are more likely to be stressed, which impairs their GI function

The most controversial theories are based around the idea that the GI problems may be caused by/related to substances found in vaccines, such as mercury or the measles virus. The latter theories are not accepted as scientifically valid by the majority of scientists.

Effects

Some people claim that GI problems may cause and/or be related to other problems including:

malnutrition and failure to thrive
skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis
allergic symptoms, such as headaches, sore throats and muscle pains
mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression

Interventions

Scientific evidence for interventions

There are some studies published in peer-reviewed journals which appear to show that some interventions, including some of those listed below, may be effective in decreasing gastro-intestinal problems in some individuals with autism.

However there is also some evidence to show that some interventions may actually increase gastro-intestinal problems in some individuals with autism.

Reading

This section provides details of other publications on gastrointestinal problems and autism. If you know of any other publications we should include please email info@researchautism.net with the details. Thank you.

If you know of any other publications we should list on this page please email info@informationautism.org

Please note that we are unable to supply publications unless we are listed as the publisher. However, if you are a UK resident you may be able to obtain them from your local public library, your college library or direct from the publisher.