The past 20years has seen a vast and increasing knowledge base regarding the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) and the place it has within our health. More specifically, research has concluded that moderate to severe imbalances within the MGBA (gut dysbiosis) causes gut gastrointestinal issues and constipation at a rate 4 times more for children with Autism than neurotypical children. In this article we will only highlight the importance and prevalence that gut dysbiosis has for ASD individuals, and limit the scientific detail.
The major concern for most parents with Autistic children is their challenge to regulate emotion. Dysregulation is often witnessed in erratic, aggressive and sometimes dysfunctional behaviours that negatively effect social interactions. What do those have to do with gut dysbiosis?
Essentially anything that effects a child’s ability to feel well (without pain) can trigger dysregulation. This happens through two pathways – the MGBA connection, and the inability to communicate discomfort. Suppression of behaviours often increases the associated behaviours and ‘kicks the can down the road’ so to speak. When a child cannot communicate properly and effectively to get help for their discomfort, they are forced to aggressively attempt satiation through hitting others, screaming and self-injurious behaviours (SIB’s). This may be continued until they feel their pain has been alleviated. For example, if a child is constipated for a long while, they have pain while eating more and trying to concentrate on tasks. Escaping and changing and/or unusual behaviours may occur, interrupting typical interactions. The constipation causes such discomfort that concentration and focus is really affected. Over time, tending to their gut, would alleviate the reason for constipation.
Other examples of pain or discomfort creating outward expression as negative behaviours are dental issues, bruises or injury, headaches/migraines, hot feeling, stomach aches and muscle aches. Some of these may be a direct result of gut dysbiosis.
Some of the challenges to treating this are:
Picky and limited eating: dietary habits commonly observed in individuals with ASD—such as a preference for high-sugar foods and inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables—further exacerbate vitamin deficiencies and microbial dysbiosis, thereby creating a vicious cycle
Communication inadequacies: either non – verbal or verbal challenges create limited chance for observing and determining what the issue may be in terms of pain and discomfort before it becomes exacerbated into negative behaviours.
High pain threshold: often the case with many who are Autistic and have higher than normal pain thresholds, making it challenging to figure out what is wrong.
Accessing professionals: families rarely take advantage of gaining professional advice to assist with life-changing information about gut dysbiosis and their child. Additionally, medicines are rarely corrective.
We hope this has made some impact and you will feel there is an option to find help and move forward. Treating gut dysbiosis is truly life changing, and can reduce the discomfort and challenging behaviours for your child in many circumstances. Seek a Holistic Nutritionist who understands the needs and goals for your child and move forward with you.