Many people with autism display characteristics such as atypical social interactions or repetitive behaviors. They also have difficulties with language and communication. A perhaps lesser known fact, however, is that autistic people are more likely toGastrointestinal diseasessuffer than the general population. A review found that children with autism are four times more likely to report gastrointestinal symptoms.
Link between people with autism and intestinal inflammation
A number of studies in research reported that the prevalence of intestinal problems was the same in boys and girls. Symptoms can include constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, reflux and vomiting. Symptoms like these impact the quality of life of people with autism and their families. They also affect sleep, concentration and behavior.
For a long time, doctors thought this was due to the way the brain controls the intestines. Think about the “butterflies” you get in your stomach or the need to rush to the bathroom when you’re really nervous. But even though thatBrain influences intestinal function, this is only part of the truth. Recent research shows that stomach and intestinal symptoms in autism may be due to differences in the intestines themselves.
The intestine contains its own nervous system (enteric nervous system) that coordinates digestion and absorption of food and nutrients. This is a complex integrated network of neurons that extends along the gastrointestinal tract. Although structurally very different, it contains approximately the same number of cells as the spinal cord and uses many of the same neurochemical messengers, receptors and proteins as the brain.
Autism has a strong genetic component. More than 1,000 gene mutations are linked to the disorder. Many of these gene mutations change theCommunication between neurons in the brain. The gut microbiota is the community of microorganisms (including bacteria, fungi and viruses) that live in the gastrointestinal tract. The largest amount of microbiota is found in the large intestine, where they digest some of the food we eat.
Study results
Many of the studies to date looking at the gut in autism have been conducted in mice. However, scientists need more human research to confirm that the results can be extrapolated. They need to continue to develop their understanding of how gene mutations in the nervous system affect gut microbes. In the future, optimizing the gut microbiota could be a way to control the behavior of people with autism.
This would not reverse gene mutations that lead to autism, but could lessen the effects and improve the quality of life for people with autism and their families. In the meantime, doctors should thank thisStudy, who treat people with autism, consider assessing and treating gut problems in addition to behavioral problems.
