Autism & imbalance Gut!! What do you think came first?

Children with autism are reported to have a four-fold increased likelihood of experiencing gastrointestinal problems compared to neurotypical children. What comes first; Autism or Dysbiosis?

It is common for autistic children to have inflexible dietary preferences, often preferring processed or beige foods over those containing prebiotic fibers. Autism-related sensory aversions or need for the same is the reason for eating problems. Processed foods, such as crisps or pastries, tend to have a more consistent appearance, flavour, and texture compared to fruits and vegetables. This restrictive eating pattern is associated with reduced diversity in the gut microbiome. This suggests that the microbial changes seen in autistic individuals may be triggered by their behavioural traits.

Some common gut problems seen in autistic children are;
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Bloating

Disruptions in the gut microbiome could lead to;
- Immune system dysregulation
- Inflammation
- Brain development and function

Now you know? Take care and thank me later 👋