According to the DSM 5, to receive a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) you must have persistent deficits in each of the three areas of social communication and interaction plus at least two of the four types of restricted, repetitive behaviours. These are divided into three categories of social communication: 1) deficits in social emotional reciprocity 2) deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviours 3) deficits in developing, maintaining and understanding relationships.
The categories in the restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour are: 1) Stereotyped or repetitive movements (lining up toys, flipping objects) 2) Insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, or ritualized patterns of verbal or nonverbal extreme distress over small change 3) Highly restricted fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus 4) Hyper or hypo activity to sensory input or unusual interests ( indifference to pain adverse response to specific sounds)
According to Walsh Research Institute everyone has a unique biochemistry and 90% of ASD tend to have an a malabsorption issue in three classes 1) Stomach issues 2) incomplete digestion in the small intestine and 3) problems at the brush-corner of the intestine where most nutrients are absorbed into the portal blood stream. The consequences can include nutrient deficiencies, inflammation of the intestinal tract, candida, and mental health problems. Incomplete breakdown of protein and fat can adversely affect brain neurotransmission, and this has been associated with impulsivity and academic underachievement. Treatment depends on the type of malabsorption present and may involve probiotics, adjustments of stomach hydrochloric acid levels, gluten free diets, and digestive enzymes.
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