Probiotics and Autism

Autism refers to a group of developmental disorders that lead to profound social, communication and behavioral challenges. An average of one in 110 children in the U.S. have autism spectrum disorder as of 2011, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children with autism sometimes suffer from digestion issues, often related to early use of antibiotics prior to diagnosis. Probiotics may help to alleviate some of these gastrointestinal issues through repopulating the gut with good bacteria.

Autism

Autism spectrum disorder is a term that refers to a group of developmental delays affecting speech, social interaction and language. There is no cure for autism, but there are a number of interventions that can alleviate your child's symptoms and improve her quality of life. Establishing routines, behavioral interventions, speech and language therapy, medications and nutritional therapies can provide opportunities for improvement in your child's symptoms. Children with autism will respond differently to therapies, some responding better than others.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Children with autism spectrum disorders commonly experience gastrointestinal issues. Some parents attribute their child's gastrointestinal issues to frequent courses of antibiotics in the first year prior to receiving the diagnosis of autism. Antibiotics kill 99 percent of the good bacteria in the gut, allowing bad bacteria to flourish. There is also the concern that many autistic children have lesions in their intestines that may also contribute to gastrointestinal challenges.

Probiotics

Probiotics help digestion while supporting your immune system. Probiotics are harmless microorganisms, such as yeasts, bacteria and fungi, that have reciprocal relationships with their host, promoting the growth of good bacteria. These good bacteria make up 85 to 90 percent of bacteria in the intestines when properly balanced. When this balance is unsettled, bad bacteria thrives, creating opportunity for gastrointestinal issues and illness. Probiotic supplements, such as L. acidophilus, can add good bacteria back in to your intestines. Dietary sources of probiotics are also an option and include yogurt, buttermilk and cheeses.