ASD's and IBS

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What I read is that a high proportion of autistic people also have gluten intolerance. But not ALL autistic people have gluten intolerance; (this would fit the theory though that autistic people seem to have sensitive digestion issues). I have also read that sometimes the symptoms are not in the gut, but in the brain. I don´t know if I agree with that statement or not, I´m just writing what I´ve read; I haven´t studied all the literature about that. Sometimes, celiac symptoms though are "silent", and the person afflicted doesn´t seem to have any gut issues. However, there may be other symptoms, like extreme iron deficiency or osteoporosis. Unfortunately, both celiac disease and Asperger´s Syndrome are both in their infancy in terms of study. I´m sure there´s so much that is not yet known about either!

digestive problems my whole life. projectile vomiter as a kid.

I do not eat wheat or dairy - although i do eat a tiny bit of yoghurt. I am not celiac, but am similar although not as extreme. A diet too high in wheat and dairy renders me lethargic, brain-fuzzed and dopey.
Long before I was dx'ed I began having to tend to my diet and health.
I also suffer bouts of psoriasis (also linked in with digestion and a number of people on the spectrum can get these skin irritations - part of the hyper-sensitivity stuff I am guessing....)

I was led to a re-evaluation of my health and dietary concerns because of some horrific psoriasis episodes ( i get guttate psoriasis so i will get bouts from head to toe - It is painful, upsetting and completely debilitating and I cannot move as my skin cracks and bleeds, and have to stay in bed like Dennis Potter's Singing Detective....it happens every few years for a period of 8 weeks or so, then it clears and goes almost completely...)


I think we some of us have a very hypersensitive physiology and so we need to be really kind to ourselves in the area of diet and health. Fresh vegetables, fresh produce, lots of greens, stay away from junk food and be kind through food.
I learned the hard way.

I've had problems with my digestive system since childhood. I think the GP told my parents that the stomach problems were caused by colitis.

Yes, I've had tremendous problems with IBS my whole life. As a child, I was always constipated, now as an adult, I have loose bowels all the time, with intermittent stomach pain throughout. I plan on acquiring a new diet soon, one that consists mainly of the five, simple flavors. Perhaps then my nourishment may be boring and dull, but I plan on not having the old problems I've been used to, and plus I could shed those annoying pounds that always come with wintertime.

I've had this problem since I was a toddler. The doctor only diagnosed it as IBS early this year but I can't help think that there's something else wrong because even though I've followed her instructions on how to manage it, it's not getting any better.

This probably makes the most sense from anything I've read. People with AS are probably under more perpetual stress than your average person, and that can certainly trigger "flare ups" of gut issues.

Keep in mind, too, that a decently large percentage of the general population has IBS. Therefore, if an AS population had the same percentage of incidence as the general population, there is nothing noteworthy about the situation. Does anyone have statistics?

I have Crohn's Disease, a form of IBD. It's also believed to be stress induced, but it is a whole other ball game. It is unrelated to IBS in that it causes colon inflammation due to an autoimmune deficiency. Contrary to what some believe, IBS cannot turn into IBD. If you have gut problems that are causing inflammation, you have IBD.

^ no stats. just generalised hypothesising.
I don't really care if my digestive problems are related to my ASD per se. . What i do care about is tending to them, eating well, being responsible and caring in matters concerning diet and exercise.
I do know there is a definite link between digestive problems and stress and anxiety. I was told that stress and anxiety levels can be higher in people with an ASD than the general population because of hypersensitvity and sensory integration problems. That is the link that makes most sense to me. and i note my digestive problems and psoriasis flare up when my stress/anxiety levels rise.
all part of the parcel i live with on a daily basis.

no complaints..just is.

Yeah my insides are delicate. Used to have major trouble a few years back, I am ok now though.

I have a ton of stomach issues. I suffered slow transit constipation for many years, and had to have my entire colon removed back in August 2008. I also have a ton of food intolerance, which was said to have brought on the constipation. Now I have constant diareah, problems with concentration, focus and mood problems if I eat these foods. As long as I stay away from them, I am okay, especially with both the mood and stomach issues.