INDICATORS OF INTESTINAL PROBLEMS

Children with autism are known to be prone to digestive tract disorders. If a child has some of the following symptoms, it may be worthwhile to order some digestive function tests.

Overt signs and symptoms pertaining to the digestive tract

• Abdominal pain, cramping, or discomfort
• Reflux or excessive burping, vomiting or spitting up food
• Abdominal bloating, especially after food, excess gas
• Chronic constipation; fecal impaction; hard, dry stools
• Toe-walking (usually indicative of constipation)
• Chronic diarrhoea or loose stools; undigested food or mucus in stools
• Foul-smelling stools; oily or foamy stools; yellow, orange or pale stools
• Rectal itching, burning or apparent discomfort when passing stools
• Perianal rash

Problematic reactions to foods

• Gluten and/or Casein sensitivity
• Reactions to phenols and/or salicylates in foods
• Food allergies and intolerances (manifest as dark circles or puffiness under the eyes, redness of the cheeks or ears, post-nasal drips, headaches, skin rashes, asthma, environmental allergies, attention deficits, and behavioural problems)

Past medical history

• Significant history of colic during infancy
• Poor immune function with frequent infections of ear, throat or respiratory tract
• Overactive immune response, as in allergies or autoimmune conditions
• History of fungal infections like thrush, diaper rash or skin rashes
• History of sensory defensiveness, including sensitivity to sounds, lights, tastes, textures and other external stimuli

Family History

• Maternal history of fungal infections during pregnancy
• Family history of celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or other bowl inflammatory conditions; family history of allergies and/or autoimmune diseases
• Prescription drugs and immunizations
• Frequent use of antibiotics in infancy and childhood
• History of adverse reactions to antibiotics, including diarrhoea, thrush, diaper rash or other abdominal problems
• Onset of developmental delays shortly following immunisation.