Dr. Anna Jean Ayres first coined the term "sensory integration disorder" based on her work as an occupational therapist and psychologist. Though it is not recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, sensory integration dysfunction is a topic of interest for psychologists because many other disorders have sensory deficit components. Basically, individuals with sensory issues have trouble processing sound, touch and other sensory experiences in an efficient way. This often leads to social and academic dysfunction. Autism, schizophrenia, anxiety and depression may have sensory-deficit aspects, but the disorder can also stand alone.
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are microorganisms such as bacteria or yeast that can help with digestion and general health by keeping the gastrointestinal system working smoothly. In a 2009 study published in the "Journal of Medicinal Food," researchers in India investigated the role of probiotics in a variety of health situations. Their results revealed that the supplements can improve symptoms in sufferers dealing with all types of ailments including aging, fatigue and autism. The scientists also propose the use of probiotics on a regular basis can prevent the onset of new diseases.
Gastrointestinal Issues and Sensory Integration
One of the hallmark features of autism is the deficits in sensory integration. In a recent study conducted by scientists in Los Angeles, the role of GI issues in autism was examined. The study, which was published in the journal "Medication Hypotheses," looked at the level of various negative and positive bacteria in the digestive tracks of autistic patients and compared those levels to severity of symptoms. They found the relationship between bacteria in the patients of autism and their families was significantly important and suggest that probiotics be part of a comprehensive care plan for sufferers of the disease.
Lessons Learned from Autism
In 2011, researchers at Arizona State University examined stool samples of 58 autistic children to look for differences in digestive chemicals. Their results, which were published in an issue of the journal "Biomedical Central Gastroenterology," showed a positive correlation between children with more severe autism and more severe gastrointestinal symptoms. The scientists further suggest that symptoms of autism, including sensory and social deficits, may have underlying intestinal causes. The use of probiotics may help alleviate symptoms of both autism and the sensory issues often associated with it.
Treatment Implications
At the time of the current publication, sensory integration disorder has yet to be recognized formally as a discrete illness. As such, the FDA has not approved specific medications or supplements as validated treatment; however, research suggests that probiotics may be beneficial to general health, specifically in regards to disorders like autism in which sensory integration is a persistent issue. Before adding priobiotics to a treatment regiment, patients should consult a physician to ensure a safe integration of nutritional options.
References
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; Probiotics: Delineation of Prophylactic and Therapeutic Benefits; I.P. Kaur, et al; 2009
- "Medical Hypotheses"; Desulfovibrio Species are Potentially Important in Regressive Autism; SM Finegold, 2011
- "BMC Gastroenterology"; Gastrointestinal Flora and Gastrointestinal Status in Children with Autism--Comparisons to Typical Children and Correlation with Autism Severity; JB Adams, et al; 2011
