Researchers analyzed the results of diagnostic tests in 61 children with autism being evaluated for GI symptoms, such as abdominal pain or constipation.
The study focused on certain abnormalities with previously suggested links to autism, such as intestinal inflammation, deficiency of the digestive enzyme lactase and increased intestinal permeability.
Here are five points:
1. Intestinal biopsy samples showed mild levels of microscopic inflammation in some of the children with autism, as well as in some of the non-autistic children.
2. Markers of intestinal inflammation, lactose deficiency and intestinal permeability were all similar between the children with and without autism.
3. Researchers said the results of this study suggest common gastrointestinal problems occur in children with autism and should be evaluated, and that there is no evidence to support that gastrointestinal disorders cause autism.
4. Researchers emphasize that the findings of endoscopy and other diagnostic tests in autistic children with GI symptoms are similar to those in non-autistic children with similar GI symptoms.
5. In conclusion, the study showed no significant differences in intestinal inflammation, lactose deficiency or intestinal permeability in autistic versus non-autistic children with GI symptoms.
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