ASD and Stomach Problems

Hello All,

I apologise if this is already a thread, however this has been bothering me. I heard a while ago that people with ASD (I have Asperger's) are prone to having stomach trouble, and I was wondering if other people have found this? I myself has always had terrible stomachaches or just a constant pain in my stomach. I didn't think too much of it until I went to university, and for the past four/five years it's getting worse. Doctors tell me I have IBS, which is at least something so I can manage it, but I was wondering if stomach troubles is also a common theme amongst other Aspies and people with Autism?

Thank you :)

Parents
  • Yeah I have the same problem.  Diagnosed with IBS as a child which was really bad at points.  I went vegan at 20 and that helped my digestive system a lot, but recently I have been suffering really badly again, to the point I am now being tested for Crohns, IBD and Celiacs disease and general anti-immune disorders.

    I have also noticed I have a lot of symptoms of Ehlers Danlos syndrome, but I don't want to go back to the doctors for fear of being labelled a hypochondriac!  

    There are a lot of co-morbid conditions with ASD it seems, but very little research into their links.

  • Ditto. I’m waiting for celiac biopsy next month. Like you I was looking into ehlers danlos but my Gp wanted me to get the celiac checked out first. I haven’t been on the forum lately because the symptoms have made me feel most uncomfortable and exhausted. All the different connections hasn’t ceased to amaze me. I have started looking at autoimmune conditions.. there is a long list. Like you there is so much ., the ND, EDS, Autoimmune to get to grips with. It’s almost unbelievable until I read on here that others do too . I’m just grateful people share such information because it makes me feel less alone. 

  • I think I'm in a similar boat to you and starbuck, ever increasing discomfort that I do my best to ignore and feel far too hypochondriacish to go to a Gp about it.

    I was diagnosed with IBS years ago but that doesn't quite fit completely.

    I read a bit about EDS and it seemed a bit like nailing jelly to a wall, with not even many healthcare professionals having much idea about it. Take care of yourself Misfit. xx

Reply
  • I think I'm in a similar boat to you and starbuck, ever increasing discomfort that I do my best to ignore and feel far too hypochondriacish to go to a Gp about it.

    I was diagnosed with IBS years ago but that doesn't quite fit completely.

    I read a bit about EDS and it seemed a bit like nailing jelly to a wall, with not even many healthcare professionals having much idea about it. Take care of yourself Misfit. xx

Children
  • Thank you @Spotty and @Starbuck

    I just have to get through the next couple of weeks feeling Yukky on the gluten til the biopsy after which I’m hoping changes in diet will help.  As has been said it seems there are many co existing and interrelated conditions and just makes me marvel at what complex things our bodies are. I hope you find the scan useful. No I don’t think all the symptoms are a coincidence but as my Gp said even if I got a diagnosis of ehlers danlos how would that help me? I might pursue again after the celiac but it is our passion for research and trying to piece things together especially after years of struggle and misunderstandings. Yes there are some of the same symptoms within my family but I haven’t asked anyone specifically. Again thank you Spotty and Starbuck sorry for the delay in response xx