Digestive system

Hi, I'm a parent of a adult (22 years old).  He has aspergers, he has the reasoning of a 15 year old.  For many months my son has not eaten well,  his diet consists of mini sauges and mini sausage rolls, and slices of party sized sourdough slices and water.  He is having diarrhea on and off, and will not eat until he has been to the toilet, this will involve being in the bathroom for over an hour forcing himself to go, and going back and forth to the toilet multiple times a day.  He will not go out of the house in case he needs the toilet urgently.    I have tried to persuade him to go to the Dr's but he is too afraid to in case of needing the loo. 

I appreciate no medical advice can be offered but just wondering if this was common for people with Aspergers 

Appreciate any advice please.  I'm extremely worried as he has  lost so much  weight .

Many thanks

Parents
  • Sounds like gastrointestinal issues. And it could be any number of things from a lack of enzymes or a lack of healthy gut bacteria, to a complete allergy or intolerance - this typically worsens with age. This sounds very serious and if not arrested soon, could create other problems in his organs and general health. 

    One way to work out what is causing a problem is to fast for 3 days. I had no problem doing this as my digestion issues were terrorising and I was happy to take any regiment to trouble shoot the problem. I had lemon water for 3 days. I knew I could eat carrots and almonds without dietary issues so I had a little of those occasionally. This fasting approach could be undertaken if he's happy to play video games for 3 days to take his mind off how difficult it is. I have an adult son. In certain situations, 3 days of video games in exchange for your sons health is worth it. Then introduce one item like a small piece of plain bread - nothing else. and see what happens.

    The second idea would be to look into the FODMAP diet as a way of working ground up to figure out the issue is. While many of us do have problems with grains or nitrates found in meat, or other gastrointestinal issues, I have discovered I cannot digest beans, grains or veg. I've created a small "back up" plan if I need to spend 2 weeks to re-set my system.

    At the least I would get a men's daily multi-vitamin. And help him understand this is not normal. He will have to change his regiment. Perhaps you could simply start by buying gluten-free sausages and gluten-free sourdough. Although, I would be careful with any ancient grains added to the sourdough. If he needs a little fibre, try raw fruit. 

Reply
  • Sounds like gastrointestinal issues. And it could be any number of things from a lack of enzymes or a lack of healthy gut bacteria, to a complete allergy or intolerance - this typically worsens with age. This sounds very serious and if not arrested soon, could create other problems in his organs and general health. 

    One way to work out what is causing a problem is to fast for 3 days. I had no problem doing this as my digestion issues were terrorising and I was happy to take any regiment to trouble shoot the problem. I had lemon water for 3 days. I knew I could eat carrots and almonds without dietary issues so I had a little of those occasionally. This fasting approach could be undertaken if he's happy to play video games for 3 days to take his mind off how difficult it is. I have an adult son. In certain situations, 3 days of video games in exchange for your sons health is worth it. Then introduce one item like a small piece of plain bread - nothing else. and see what happens.

    The second idea would be to look into the FODMAP diet as a way of working ground up to figure out the issue is. While many of us do have problems with grains or nitrates found in meat, or other gastrointestinal issues, I have discovered I cannot digest beans, grains or veg. I've created a small "back up" plan if I need to spend 2 weeks to re-set my system.

    At the least I would get a men's daily multi-vitamin. And help him understand this is not normal. He will have to change his regiment. Perhaps you could simply start by buying gluten-free sausages and gluten-free sourdough. Although, I would be careful with any ancient grains added to the sourdough. If he needs a little fibre, try raw fruit. 

Children