Autoimmune and gastrointestinal dysfunctions: does a subset of children with autism reveal a broader connection?

Abstract

A large number of autoimmune disorders have a gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction component that may interplay with genetic, hormonal, environmental and/or stress factors. This narrarive review investigates possible links between autism, immune system abnormalities and GI symptoms in a subgroup of children with autism. A literature search on Medline (1950 to September 2010) was conducted to identify relevant articles by using the keywords ‘autism and gastrointestinal’ (71 publications) and ‘autism and immune’ (237 publications), cross-referencing and general searching to evaluate the available literature on the immunological and GI aspects of autism. Sufficient evidence exists to support that a subgroup of children with autism may suffer from concomitant immune-related GI symptoms.

Keywords::

• abdominal distension
• autism
• autoimmune
• constipation
• diarrhea
• food allergy
• food sensitivity
• gastrointestinal
• genetic
• permeable gut

Financial & competing interests disclosure

Amy Brown is CEO of Natural Remedy Labs, LLC (HI, USA). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Notes

GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Adapted from [71,117]. © 2011 Amy Brown.

^†Anecdotal reports that suggest restricted diets may ameliorate disorder symptoms have not been strongly supported or refuted by the scientific literature to date. The literature also does not fully address the possibility that a subgroup of individuals may respond to such diets.

Adapted from [71,17]. © 2011 Amy Brown.