ASD & Bowel problems NHS

Hello,

Bowel issues and ASD are very closely linked. You may like to watch this video.

www.youtube.com/watch

This issue of bowel problems is generally centred on Anxiety, as the stomach is the seat of emotion. Anxiety and ASD also go hand in hand, so in my view the idea would be to support the Anxiety as a priority, so as to reduce the episodes.

I also have ASD and suffer with bowel problems myself, so I do appreciate how distressing this can be, but I would look at addressing it sooner rather than later, because prolonged issues can escalate to a more serious bowel condition.

Your Dr's reluctance can be due to lack of understanding or due to the fact that he realizes that it is unlikely to be a more sinister reason for your sons problems. Most Dr's would view his condition as psychosymatic, but that does not excuse poor support or indeed, advice for you in how to help your son and certainly doesn't take into account the more long term issues that could occur if it is left unaddressed.

For my condition; and that of an undiagnosed ASD relative I cared for, (She later went on to develop diverticulitis), I had to look at a number of issues to help. Initially, we started with a food/stool diary, to try and ascertain if certain foods and medications also affected the bowel. Those with ASD can; but not always, suffer with intollerances to certain foods. This proved to be the case, as she was quite sensitive to two major food groups and one medication she was taking. With the help of a dietician and her GP we made small adjustments, which improved things quite dramatically, but I should stress, that this should be done with support of someone who is qualifed and aware of your childs ASD diagnosis.

With regard to the anxiety, things are much more complex. Shock (Change of plans) or anxiety over School are the primary causes sited by parents when a child experiences bowel issues. For me this was certainly true. Every Sunday, I was either sick or unwell with stomach pains. Controlling or reducing anxiety in someone with ASD, can be extremely difficult, especially when it's not always possible to totally eliminate the cause, such as with School.

I've only managed more recently, to look at my issues with regard to anxiety and really only had some success through 'Mindfulness training.' I know your son is still quite young, but if you can explore this now, you may have some impact on the severity of his symptoms.

'Mindfulness' is about acknowledging how you feel during any one moment, it's not about supressing your thoughts.

By definition, many with ASD have cyclic thoughts which can initiate, prolong and escalate physical symptoms. By recognising our thought patterns and learning to acknowledge them, it can reduce their negitive effective on us.

It may sound far fetched, but many with ASD and other mental anguish issues, are responding really well to this type of treatment. So much so, that some health trusts are incorporating this therapy approach into general practice and will refer you for treatment. This is proving not only to reduce the mediction bill for some trusts, but patients are reporting greater longterm, improvement and well-being. Practiced regulalry, things could improve dramatically. I'm currently doing this with my son in order to help him with similar anxiety issues, but we practice at home together and not in an NHS setting. Books can be brought on the subject to help if you wish to do this at home.

Please be advised, I'm not a practitioner or medically trained in any way and would always advocate you seek professional advice in the first instance, to rule out more serious illness, but if all else fails, you may wish to look more closely at the mind, body links that effect your son and try some of these techniques to help.

I wish you all the best.

Coogybear

Hello,

Bowel issues and ASD are very closely linked. You may like to watch this video.

www.youtube.com/watch

This issue of bowel problems is generally centred on Anxiety, as the stomach is the seat of emotion. Anxiety and ASD also go hand in hand, so in my view the idea would be to support the Anxiety as a priority, so as to reduce the episodes.

I also have ASD and suffer with bowel problems myself, so I do appreciate how distressing this can be, but I would look at addressing it sooner rather than later, because prolonged issues can escalate to a more serious bowel condition.

Your Dr's reluctance can be due to lack of understanding or due to the fact that he realizes that it is unlikely to be a more sinister reason for your sons problems. Most Dr's would view his condition as psychosymatic, but that does not excuse poor support or indeed, advice for you in how to help your son and certainly doesn't take into account the more long term issues that could occur if it is left unaddressed.

For my condition; and that of an undiagnosed ASD relative I cared for, (She later went on to develop diverticulitis), I had to look at a number of issues to help. Initially, we started with a food/stool diary, to try and ascertain if certain foods and medications also affected the bowel. Those with ASD can; but not always, suffer with intollerances to certain foods. This proved to be the case, as she was quite sensitive to two major food groups and one medication she was taking. With the help of a dietician and her GP we made small adjustments, which improved things quite dramatically, but I should stress, that this should be done with support of someone who is qualifed and aware of your childs ASD diagnosis.

With regard to the anxiety, things are much more complex. Shock (Change of plans) or anxiety over School are the primary causes sited by parents when a child experiences bowel issues. For me this was certainly true. Every Sunday, I was either sick or unwell with stomach pains. Controlling or reducing anxiety in someone with ASD, can be extremely difficult, especially when it's not always possible to totally eliminate the cause, such as with School.

I've only managed more recently, to look at my issues with regard to anxiety and really only had some success through 'Mindfulness training.' I know your son is still quite young, but if you can explore this now, you may have some impact on the severity of his symptoms.

'Mindfulness' is about acknowledging how you feel during any one moment, it's not about supressing your thoughts.

By definition, many with ASD have cyclic thoughts which can initiate, prolong and escalate physical symptoms. By recognising our thought patterns and learning to acknowledge them, it can reduce their negitive effective on us.

It may sound far fetched, but many with ASD and other mental anguish issues, are responding really well to this type of treatment. So much so, that some health trusts are incorporating this therapy approach into general practice and will refer you for treatment. This is proving not only to reduce the mediction bill for some trusts, but patients are reporting greater longterm, improvement and well-being. Practiced regulalry, things could improve dramatically. I'm currently doing this with my son in order to help him with similar anxiety issues, but we practice at home together and not in an NHS setting. Books can be brought on the subject to help if you wish to do this at home.

Please be advised, I'm not a practitioner or medically trained in any way and would always advocate you seek professional advice in the first instance, to rule out more serious illness, but if all else fails, you may wish to look more closely at the mind, body links that effect your son and try some of these techniques to help.

I wish you all the best.

Coogybear