The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1 out of every 110 kids in the United States has autism.
More than two dozen top autism experts met in Boston to review medical research and write a consensus report to help evaluate, diagnose and treat kids with autism.
Since it can be hard for kids with autism to communicate, they recommend parents pay close attention to see if their child has digestive disorders.
According to WebMD, digestive disorders include:
- Frequent clearing of the throat or swallowing
- Sobbing for no reason
- Sighing, whining, or groaning
- Facial grimacing
- Gritting teeth
- Wincing
- Constantly applying pressure to the abdomen by leaning against furniture or pressing with hands
- Unusual posturing
- Pacing or jumping up and down
- Self-injurious behavior such as face slapping or head banging
- Aggressive behavior
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Increased irritability
- Oppositional behavior
The team's report, published in the January issue of Pediatrics, calls for more research into a link between gastrointestinal issues and autism and also stresses the need for pediatricians to test for G.I. problems.
The panel of 27 experts agreed that "problem behavior in patients with ASDs (Autism Spectrum Disorders) may be the primary or sole symptom of the underlying medical condition, including some gastrointestinal disorders."
They also said there are not enough scientific studies to prove or disprove whether dairy-free/gluten-free diets make a difference. They do advise parents who are following special diets to see a nutritionist to make sure their children are eating a balanced diet.
The lack of scientific studies will not stop board certified, Tampa Pediatrician, Dr. David Berger, from recommending patients with autism eliminate certain foods.
He says more than 1,000 of his patients have tried dairy-free/gluten-free diets and at least half, have experienced improvements. He recommends kids with autism try it for 3 months.
You can learn more about this special diet and reaction to the study by listening to Dr. Berger's audio interview above.
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Heather Van Nest
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