In the current report in the January 2010 issue of Pediatrics, experts in the field of autism refuted the controversial idea that autistic kids have a “problem gut” or what has been called “autistic enterocolitis.” This idea originated in 1998 by a British physician but has been discredited and has no authenticity. The present report indicates that there is no evidence that gut problems exist in autistic children, but unfortunately there are still some die hard parents who believe otherwise.
For now, experts indicate that parents should not go chasing special expensive diets for their autistic children. Many autistic diets have been developed. Some of these diets are gluten free, others are enriched with vitamins and yet others contain a myriad number of unknown herbs. The lack of availability of proper treatment has led nearly 20-40 percent of parents with autistic kids to buy such diets. The current report also recommends that physicians check children for nutritional deficiencies and correct them only if a deficiency exists.
For some unknown reason autistic kids do have a variety of abdominal problems including bloating, gas, and cramps. Why this happens is not known but it may promote abnormal behavior. Until more solid evidence about diet is forthcoming, autism is still best treated with a variety of behavioral techniques.
Source: Pediatrics Jan 2010