For the first time, scientists are able to make a connection between early exposure to certain foods and developing autism. This research has implications for those with food allergies or sensitivities who may someday be diagnosed as autistic.
Autism is a developmental disorder that can cause many problems in the lives of those who have it. It has been said that autism and food allergies are related because both are caused by an immune system response to something in the body. Read more in detail here: autism symptoms.
Allergies are connected to autism, according to new studies. Food allergies may exacerbate behavioral issues, in part because your kid may be uncomfortable and unsure of how to express this.
Autism has also been related to immune system disorders, gastrointestinal problems, and changes in gut microorganisms, which might be caused by dietary sensitivities or allergies.
What Are Food Allergies and How Do They Affect You?
Anyone with food allergies has inflammation in their body as a result of their immune system’s reaction.
The body creates an antibody termed immunoglobulin type E, or IgE, in response to basic food allergies. Histamines and other inflammatory chemicals released by this molecule cause allergy symptoms such as runny eyes and nose, sneezing, coughing, congestion, exhaustion, and, in rare instances, anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock.
When all of the body’s systems respond to an allergen, such as common food allergies, anaphylaxis develops. This reaction’s inflammation and other symptoms may lead to a life-threatening disease.
Non-IgE allergic reactions to particles known as allergens are also possible. If the allergen is not there, the immune system has no reaction. However, since the non-IgE reaction is slower than the IgE response, the body may experience pain and discomfort instead of symptoms like a runny nose and watery eyes. This is particularly true in the case of food allergies.
Food Allergy Signs and Symptoms
Children on the autistic spectrum often have difficulty communicating. It may be difficult, if not impossible, for children to tell their parents about physical pain or allergy problems.
Instead, their actions may alter. They may become more irritable and avoidant, and they may have meltdowns or have negative responses to meals or certain foods.
If your kid has a food allergy, they may show signs of discomfort in the following ways:
Eosinophilic Esophagitis is a kind of eosinophilic esophagit
One type of allergic response is appearing more often among people with autism: Eosinophilic Esophagitis is a kind of eosinophilic esophagit (EoE). This inflammation causes changes to the esophagus, the part of the throat that leads to the stomach. A type of white blood cell called an eosinophil accumulates in that organ, causing chronic inflammation.
These are the signs and symptoms of EoE:
-
If your acid reflux isn’t responding to medicine, you may need to see a doctor.
-
Having difficulty swallowing
-
An impaction is when food becomes lodged in the esophagus.
-
Vomiting and nausea
-
Pain in the abdomen
-
Pain in the chest
-
Discomfort or suffering causes a person to refuse to eat.
-
Appetite problems
-
Sleeping problems
-
Failure to Succeed
According to several studies, esophageal swelling is caused by a mix of IgE and non-IgE immune responses, resulting in a persistent inflammatory response.
Is it common for children with autism to have other food issues?Â
In children with autism, food intolerance may cause pain and exacerbate behavioral issues. Although intolerances and allergies are not the same, they do have comparable symptoms and treatments.
While food allergies may not trigger an immune response, some foods might induce intestinal discomfort, pain, and anguish. Casein and gluten are two of the most widely cited causes of autism in youngsters. Stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and constipation are more common in autistic youngsters.
Medical Research Connects Food Allergies & Sensitivities to Autism
A relationship between food allergies and autism in children has been discovered in recent medical studies.
Epidemiologists examined data from 1997 to 2016, resulting in an examination of 199,520 children aged 3 to 17 years old at the time of participation in the study. A total of 1,868 of the youngsters were identified as being on the autistic spectrum. Based on physician data, they sought for children who had reported eczema, other skin allergies, food or digestive allergies, or respiratory allergies in the previous 12 months.
A food allergy was reported by 11.25 percent of children with autism, compared to 4.25 percent of neurotypical children. In comparison to their neurotypical counterparts, children with autism had greater prevalence of other forms of allergies.
Food sensitivities, not allergies, may be more prevalent in autistic children than in their counterparts. The gut microbiomes of people with autism vary, which may lead to indigestion and gastrointestinal issues.
The gut microbiota has been proven in animal models to cause autism-like symptoms. The research that discovered this point to a link between gut health, immune system health, and brain function.
Distinct quantities of particular amino acids were identified in different physiological compartments, indicating a more permeable barrier between certain systems that might induce inflammation or discomfort, according to the research. This discrepancy might alter the gut microbiome, worsening digestive problems.
Gut health may be managed with a variety of interventions, such as dietary changes, probiotics or supplements, and behavior therapy.
Food Allergies Involved in Autistic Children
While allergies to practically any food may occur, certain forms of food allergies are more frequent than others. Autism sufferers are often allergic to the following foods:
-
Casein, often known as milk protein, is a kind of protein found in milk.
-
Gluten, or wheat protein, is a protein found in wheat.
-
Proteins from soy
-
Proteins derived from corn
-
Proteins found in eggs
Your kid may be allergic to peanuts, shellfish, other kinds of seafood, or tree nuts, however these allergies affect children with autism at approximately the same incidence as their neurotypical classmates.
Work with your physician to obtain some testing if you believe your kid has a food allergy. Skin prick testing may tell you whether your kid is allergic to particular foods, and blood tests can tell you how strong their immune system is reacting to the allergen.
On 39 children with autism, a skin prick test (SPT) for egg whites, peanuts, oranges, tuna, walnuts, tomatoes, eggplants, grapes, melons, and dairy was conducted. Their parents were told to take these common allergens out of their children’s meals for six months to observe whether their children’s behavior changed.
Only three of the 39 youngsters tested positive for allergies to the foods specified, making the research inconclusive. While the research proved inconclusive, food sensitivities or digestive issues may be the root of many autistic children’s eating issues rather than traditional food allergies.
Assist Your Child With Medical Care
The relationship between allergens, intestinal health, and autism is just starting to be discovered. According to some research, food allergies and sensitivities may exacerbate autistic symptoms in youngsters on the spectrum.
When a kid has trouble communicating, working with a behavior therapist may help you figure out whether some behaviors, such as feeding issues, have a brain-based reason or are instead based on physical pain. A nutritional specialist can design an eating plan that ensures your child gets adequate nutrition while accounting for any food allergies. Your child’s pediatrician can help you determine if food allergies are present, and a nutritional specialist can design an eating plan that ensures your child gets appropriate nutrition while accounting for any food allergies.
References
Autism is a developmental disorder that impacts the way in which people communicate and behave. It can be caused by many different factors, but one of the most common causes is food allergies. This article will explore why there is a connection between autism and food allergies. Reference: types of autism.
Related Tags
- autism causes
- autism in adults
- autism spectrum disorder
- autism in children
- autism wiki
Janice is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Special Education. She also holds a Master of Science in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) from Queen’s University, Belfast. She has worked with and case managed children and youth with autism and other intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in home and residential setting since 2013.
