Dovgan K, Gynegrowski K, Ferguson B (2022) Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders Apr 20 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05539-6
This study found a two-way relationship between gastro-intestinal (GI) symptoms and ‘internalized’ psychological symptoms like anxiety and social withdrawal in children and adolescents with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD),
It has long been known that ‘gut-brain’ communications - which involve many different signalling systems - work in both directions – as the news article reporting this study explains.
However, in concluding that each type of symptom can affect the other, these findings provide important evidence to support the idea that dietary changes aimed at reducing GI symptoms may also help in managing ‘core’ symptoms of ASD such as social anxiety and withdrawal.
The research team also hope to develop biomarkers of both stress/anxiety and gut health that could help in devising individualised treatments.