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Gastro-enterologist Andrew J. Wakefield has identified a unique form of inflammatory bowel disease that apparently contributes to aberrant behavior in many autistic children, according to Autism Research Review International (Vol. 16, No. 3).
Clinically significant gastrointestinal symptoms occur in about 50% of autistic children and only about 10% of developmentally normal children. GI abnormalities identified in autistic children from laboratory studies include inflammation, abnormal intestinal permeability, and/or abnormal digestive enzyme activity. Biochemical studies indicate that these abnormalities "are consistent with an autoimmune pathology."
In a review article (Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (Vol 34, Suppl. 1, May-June 2002, 514-7), Dr. Wakefield says that the connection between gut and brain/neurological function has already been established in several other conditions. Celiac disease, if left untreated, causes gastrointestinal problems and neurological disturbances, including autistic symptoms.
An overgrowth of acid-tolerant bacteria in the bowel (D-lactic acidosis) can cause aggression, stupor, movement disorders, including asterixis (involuntary jerking, especially in the hands), and other symptoms. Recently, bowel abnormalities have also been found in some children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Dr. Wakefield has seen symptomatic improvement in autistic children with GI problems when their bowel is cleared before a colonoscopy, when they receive treatment for intestinal inflammation or chronic constipation, and, particularly, when they eliminate certain proteins (casein or gluten) from their diet.
Treatment for abnormal gut flora brings only a temporary improvement in the children's behavior, according to studies. Because of this, Dr. Wakefield believes that colonic dysbiosis and the accompanying toxins "probably [are] secondary to underlying intestinal disease rather than the primary problem."
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