Most people think of autism as a mental or behavioural disorder. However, many parents say the condition comes with medical issues, as well.
New research is looking at the link between the disorder and digestive issues. It shows gastro-intestinal and immune system issues are common in children with autism however, it is a rather controversial subject.
Marcy Oakes-Henschel is a spokesperson for Autism Speaks Canada, and also the mother of twin boys Connor and Aidan. The 10 year olds have autism and have dealt with digestive problems since they were born.
“I could always tell they were in a lot of pain,” says Oakes-Henschel.
She says she took the boys to their pediatrician but felt their conditions weren’t taken seriously because they have autism.
“That ended up being the cop out for any of the other issues, ‘oh, it’s just autism’,” she explains adding, “It was one of those mommy gut things. I just knew there were more severe things going on.”
Oakes-Henschel believes some of the boys’ so-called behavioural issues were an expression of their pain, because it’s hard for them to vocalize their discomfort.
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“Aidan used to beat his hand against his chest and years later when we did some scopes and things, he had a lot of inflammatory issues in (his chest) but, didn’t have the speech and language to communicate it.”
Oakes-Henschel says it was frustrating because her children weren’t given the same medical treatment that any other child was given.
Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Dr. Rabin Persad says parents of children with autism often tell him their child was overlooked by other doctors.
“(Autism) often, unfortunately gets looked at as one specific illness, without considering the child,” he explains adding, “A child with autism has a few challenges in which we need to be aware of, to interpret symptoms and signs, which may be a little bit different from another kid who can express themself.”
About five years ago, Oakes-Henschel put her boys on a specialized diet- no gluten, dairy, soy or peanuts, and low in sugar. She says it has made a huge difference.
“Aiden’s motor skills took off after he started feeling better,” she says adding, “It’s all a vicious cycle, and as soon as you start making them feel better they’ll be able to show us what they’re really capable of.”
Dr. Persad says while the literature and evidence to support the idea of a specialized diet being beneficial to children with autism, it’s hard to ignore the feedback from families.
“Many of the families have made it absolutely clear that it has made a difference, not just in the GI control and improvement of GI symptoms but, overall in the behavioural mood adjustment of the child.”
Oakes-Henschel and her boys will be taking part in the Autism Speaks walk this Sunday, to help fund research related to autism and digestive health.
For more information on the walk visit Autism Speaks Canada’s website.
With files from Su-Ling Goh.
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