What's the Story About Gastrointestinal Problems in Kids With Autism?

At birth, our son had: acid reflux and threw up every meal, incredible ear infections (4 in 2 months), thrush, constipation and jaundice.

At 7 years of age, our son was sliding down a terrible slope and had the following symptoms: colitis, eczema, asthema, celiac, lactose intollerance, huge gas bubbles that wont' leave his abdomen, fecal compaction, malabsorbtion/loss of 4 clothing sizes, rage and anger manegemet issues which included hurting other children. Doctors at the Children's Hospital had no idea what to do.

Thanks to Dr BcBride's book GAPS, at nearly all of his symptoms have been heading in revearse! While we do have flare ups, we have noticed an incredible rebound. He has gained 5 lbs back (of the 9 he lost) and we are able to eat wonderful organic, gluten free meals. We are sure to purchase meats that have no anti biotics and which are grass fed or free range chickens. The rages slowed down when we switched from soy to rice or almond milk. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! Check out GAPS diet.com! Don't depend on the docs; you know what is best for your child and YOU CAN DO IT! And be sure to watch Food, Inc. We truly are what we eat!

Linda Cizek of MO 6:39PM June 14, 2010

I am a male, 47 years old now and am a high functioning autistic. I can tell you from

personal experience that my upper GI problems are

caused from cumulative stress, stemming from the

stigma of impaired social skills of being autistic

causing other people to discriminate against us.

Maybe if the rest of the human race was nicer

to people like us, and were more willing to be

inclusive regarding relationships and employment,

then some of our physical problems would not be as pervasive.

Aulë of AZ 2:47PM May 07, 2010

It is plain logic..our stomach is a second brain and when it cannot absorb or digest (just as older people lose that ability and then develop more b12 and memory related issues)..maybe that is Dr. P's problem, loss of thought processing..sorry I am soooo frustrated here...then, the nutrients are not passed along..

Enzymes, diet changes, exercise for all children...but for those who suffer the abuse of doctors and teachers..our whole culture..STAND UP and speak the truth against the machine that purports Pharmacology, isolation, insult and only looks at what is on the current grant and what is being funded...

Tsk tsk tsk (which is enraged mother code for SHAME ON YOU)

Nelly of CA 4:19PM February 03, 2010

All I could do to quell the rage at this doctor's insult to injury was to slow myself down. Having 2 children who help grow, purchase, prepare and eat the same food with genuine love of food, I know who struggles more. My son with gastrointestinal reactions, with undetectable allergic shiners and chronic nasal drip. The child on the spectrum, the child who western docs dismissed.

My neuro typical daughter has asthma but no stomach or brain issues.

I, of both mediterranean and Northern European descent, have Pernicious Anemia, of which 2 doctors refused to test and left me vulnerable to complete central nerve, eye, spine and limb damage, not to mention stroke or other related diseases.

I have NO vitamin D absorption despite quality amounts, even liquid..

I have malabsorption issues. My son has them. My daughter does not exhibit signs just yet.

Dr. P. May you and your family be blessed with many grand children, a nation of them..and when the stats catch up with you, you will sing a different tune.

Nelly of CA 4:13PM February 03, 2010