This article outlines the research showing that children with autism have problems with digestion, and that treating these problems can improve the symptoms of autism.
The authors describe a large number of studies showing that children with autism have more problems with digestion than other children. These problems include gas, constipation, bloating, and âtummy aches.â More serious problems include swelling and inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Further, many children with autism even without symptoms of digestive problems, have more âleakyâ intestines than normal. This means that the by-products of digestion can move into the bloodstream, even when they are supposed to be excreted as waste. The authors then outline the theory that by-products made from grain and milk proteins can leak into the rest of the body, affecting the brain and behavior much like a drug would. However, while there is some evidence that gluten- and casein-free diets can help improve the behavior of children with autism, the authors suggest that it is not strong.
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