Autism and GI Issues

There is a strong link between gastrointestinal (GI) issues and autism. Studies have shown that up to 90% of people with ASD have some type of GI problem, compared to about 20% of the general population. The most common GI problems seen in autism are constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, vomiting, reflux, IBD, Celiac disease, food allergies and food intolerance. 

There are a number of possible explanations for the link between GI issues and ASD. One possibility is  an increased sensitivity to certain foods or food additives. Another possibility is an imbalance of gut bacteria, which can lead to GI problems. Additionally, autistics may have difficulty communicating their GI symptoms, which can make it difficult to diagnose and treat these problems.