Autism Is It All In The Mind?

Bricks with Autism written on them

What Is Autism? How Does It Affect You?

Autism influences how people experience and interact with the world. It is a lifelong neurodivergence and disability. Autistic people are different from each other but for a diagnosis they must share differences from non-autistic people in how they think, feel and communicate.

Ref: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism

Autism is a condition that affects the individual in many areas. These are social, sensory, emotional, communication, developmental and also various systems of the physical body. Such as digestive health, mitochondrial health, nutrient status, neurotransmitter function and genetic factors. We know there is not a single gene associated with autism or ADHD however there are multiple genes that play key parts in how we respond to the world. Specific gene variants called SNIPs can play a key role here. We also know that the environment has a key part to play in how the genes express themselves or are silenced. Quite often a person with autism also may have ADHD or ADD.

Every person or child with autism is different than the next. Some may have learning difficulties for some this may be mild but for others it can be severe. Some may be intellectually gifted but struggle with social codes and body language. Autism is often referred to as a hidden disability as quite often people do not understand that the person has a disability in a neurotypical world as their disability or difference is not visual.

My Experiences With Autism Spectrum Conditions

Boy Looking out of vehicle window

All of the information above is relevant to autism. My son has autism and it was a struggle to get him a diagnosis when he was young. He was only diagnosed with autism when he was 6 years of age! My son was born with global developmental delay and was always behind with his development from the start. He also was very hyperactive but this was not formally diagnosed until he was 19.

While my son was growing I have supported him from a young age with nutrition and his diet. One of the main challenges my son had was his ongoing constipation. This can be also referred to as functional constipation as it was not a deficiency in fibre that contributed to it.

There is a strong genetic component to autism and it runs in families. While researching autism for my son I realised that I was on the spectrum also and got my diagnosis as an adult for Asperger's Syndrome. Later I was also diagnosed with Adult ADD. It can be real challenge to get a diagnosis as an adult and you find yourself needing to do a lot of research to get the right referrals from your GP. This process can stop any neurodivergent person on their tract of seeking a diagnosis.

The Gut A Common Health Challenge In Autism

In my clinical and home life experiences with autism one thing I see again and again is issues with digestion. The more severe the symptoms the more impact it may have on behaviour in children but also in adults as well. For adults it can contribute to depression, anxiety and social isolation not to mention physical discomfort.

The microbiome has a key role to play in gut health. Some research study the gut-brain-axis show that restricted diets in autism conditions can have a negative impact on the microbiome. As the Microbiome is one of the key players in healthy neurotransmitter synthesis this may have an impact of how children or adults on the spectrum experience the world. Encouraging a diverse diet is the best approach to supporting a healthy microbiome and good mental health amongst other therapeutic interventions.

"All disease begins in the gut" Hippocrates

When children in particular improve on their digestive health they are happier in themselves and have better relations and are more connected with their surroundings and families.

My son walking his loved dog

Current Research Into Autism

Scientific research in the recent years has identified various nutritional and genetic factors involved in autism. I also see nutritional deficiencies such as magnesium, zinc, Vitamins B6, B12, Folate, vitamin D and Fatty acids to name a few. For me as a nutritional therapist I am be most interested in knowing what the methylation is like with the individual and if they would benefit from nutritional support along side other nutritional areas. However I feel it is important to address individual nutritional needs and to pay attention to the current research to help our children and adults to better health.

I am also interested to know what the gut microbiome is like and how the digestion is functioning. Thereby supporting this key area of health to optimise health.

Research also shows us foods affect how our brain functions and it's effect on our mood and digestive function. These are important findings that also need to be taken into consideration with autism conditions. Some individuals with autism will do great on elimination diets and some will not. What is most important is to ensure a diverse range of food intake that the individual enjoys and is willing to incorporate into their diet.

In conclusion autism is not all in your mind or just a problem with the brain function or difference but there is huge influence of the gut health and nutritional states are key players also. We have many health systems that work in synergy with each other. When one is out of balance this has a knock on effect on others. I as a Nutritional Therapist take in to consideration these factors while working with individuals with autism.

Your Gut Is Your Second Brain