“My tummy hurts…..”
It’s a statement we hear a lot in our house.
Declan has problems with sleep, gastrointestinal (GI) issues and is very limited in the foods he will eat.
So, I was happy to read autism is considered a whole body disorder for many people on the spectrum since there are so many physical and mental disorders that frequently accompany autism including epilepsy, GI distress, sleep disturbances, ADHD, anxiety and depression.
According to the report found here, it was found that children with autism were eight times more likely to suffer from a chronic GI condition than were other children. Research linked chronic GI issues with increased autism behavioral symptoms including repetitive behaviors, social withdrawal, hyperactivity and irritability.
Research began to look at the digestive bacteria in the intestinal tract and noticed that unhealthy changes in the bacteria drove autism behaviors and GI problems.
So then what is the best way to help keep a healthy gut/brain connection?
There are a lot of diets out there to help parents find that happy connection. Autism Parenting Magazine provided me with this infographic on the subject. I really like the explanation provided about what is the cause and the importance of gut health – and how probiotics can help.
I especially like the list of foods that can help. Being so limited in the foods Declan will consume already, I have had a hard time in the past trying to add or alter an item in his diet. The list provided has so many options – even I can find a few things on the list Declan will eat to help keep his gut happy and healthy.
If you click the infographic you will be taken to the Autism Parenting Blog where you will find more information on the subject. Check it out!
Thank u so much this is a big help… my toddler doesnt eat vegetables though but eats oats everyday
Glad you found this helpful!
Hello my name is Ashton Deroy. I run an autism blog @ http://www.swanwhisperspublicrelations.ca , You did a wonderful post & I made sure to like it. Please be sure to allow this comment on your page so I to can have a voice in autism.
Will do – thanks for sharing, Ashton!
Probiotics give me shocking migraines. I even take a ridiculously expensive one with a histamine free strand of bacteria in it, but it still affects me. Hope it helps Declan 🙂
Probiotic supplements give me a stomach ache, so I don’t take them or give them to Declan. But I can put them into his diet with foods like yogurt. which I know he enjoys – worth a try 🙂
I didn’t know potatoes were on the list. YAY! King Ben is a tater fiend😂 he will occasionally eat carrots. He definitely has more “behavior” problems when his tummy isn’t good. We keep a close watch on him since he’s often constipated, and he can’t/doesn’t communicate that he’s feeling bad.
I know – the list pointed out some things that were doable for us. Most of the time you read things like sauerkraut or kimchi – which isn’t going to work. Potatoes? Yes! We can do that!
That is a link I wouldn’t have suspected at all, Robyn…
I didn’t either – was interesting to discover.
Robyn, thanks for sharing this. How can I connect with you for a quick conversation if possible?
Sure! My email is robyncoupe@gmail.com
My little brother loves potatoes! It runs in the family. Baked potoes, fried potatoes, tater tots, the list goes on!
Nothing like a good tater! 😉
This is great !! Thank you !!
Wonderful! Glad you liked it!