Gut and Autism
Why Digestive Health Matters More Than You Think
If you had told me a few years ago that the key to helping my son Alan wasn’t only in therapies or stimulation, but in his gut… I probably wouldn’t have believed it. As a mom and an educator, my mind was focused on working on his cognitive development, his language, and his behavior.
But life—and experience—taught me something that completely changed our direction: when we heal the gut, we open a huge door to neurological and behavioral progress.
Today I want to share with you why digestive health matters so much in autism, what it has to do with your child’s behaviors and learning, and how you can begin taking safe steps at home.
The Gut: Much More Than a Digestive Organ
For years, we believed the gut was only responsible for processing food. However, science has shown that it is a living system, full of trillions of microorganisms—bacteria, fungi, and beneficial viruses that work together to keep us healthy.
This collective is called the gut microbiota, and its balance directly affects:
The immune system (70% of our defenses live in the gut)
The production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine
The regulation of inflammation in the body and the brain
In children with autism, it is common to find an inflamed gut, imbalanced bacteria, intestinal permeability (what many know as “leaky gut”), and poor digestion. And all of this can amplify symptoms such as irritability, sleep problems, disconnection, and learning difficulties.
The Gut–Brain Connection
The gut and the brain are connected through a “communication channel” called the vagus nerve. What happens in one is reflected in the other. For example:
If the gut is inflamed, the brain receives stress signals and may respond with anxiety, hypersensitivity, or low tolerance to stimuli.
When there is a nutrient deficit due to poor absorption, the brain doesn’t receive the energy and substances it needs to develop and regulate itself.
Toxic metabolites produced by a dysfunctional gut can cross the blood–brain barrier and affect brain function.
In simple terms: if the gut isn’t well, the brain cannot be in balance.
Signs That Your Child May Have an Affected Gut
You don’t need to be a doctor to notice that something is not right. Some common signs include:
Frequent constipation or diarrhea
Stools with a very strong odor or very hard or very soft consistency
Excessive gas, bloated abdomen, or abdominal pain
Rejection of many foods or an excessive attraction to carbohydrates and sugars
Eczema, recurring allergies, or skin issues
Sharp behavior changes after eating certain foods
In my experience with Alan and with many moms in the community, these symptoms are not “normal” nor something we should accept as part of autism. They are warning signs that the body is asking for help.
Why Gut Health Matters More Than You Think
When we improve gut health, we’re not only supporting digestion — we’re giving direct support to the brain. I’ve seen cases where, by reducing gut inflammation:
Eye contact improves.
Attention and focus increase.
Irritability decreases.
There is more willingness to learn.
Sleep becomes more restorative.
Is it magic? No. It’s biology. The body functions better when it receives what it needs and releases what is harming it.
First Steps to Support Gut Health
I know that when you hear “gut health,” it can sound overwhelming — especially if you already have so much on your mind. That’s why here I’m sharing simple, doable steps you can apply from home:
1. Observe and Keep a Record
Before changing anything, observe:
Keep a log of what your child eats.
Write down how their bowel movements are.
Record behavior or sleep changes after certain foods.
This information will be gold when it comes to understanding patterns and deciding what changes to make.
2. Reduce Inflammatory Foods
Every child is different, but there are foods that often cause recurring issues:
Gluten (wheat, oats, barley, rye)
Cow’s dairy (especially those with A1 casein)
Sugars and ultra-processed foods
Refined oils such as corn, soy, or sunflower oil
Reducing them — even little by little — can make a big difference.
3. Introduce Foods That Nourish the Microbiota
Varied vegetables (especially greens and cruciferous vegetables)
Low-sugar fruits (blueberries, strawberries, kiwi)
Seeds such as chia or flaxseed
Bone broth (introduced gradually)
Age-appropriate probiotics and prebiotics, suited to their condition
4. Apoya la reparación intestinal
Aquí es donde entran suplementos y estrategias específicas, siempre supervisadas: colágeno, aminoácidos, vitamina D3 con K2, zinc, y protocolos de apoyo como los que compartimos en la comunidad.
5. It’s not a fast journey, but it is a transformative one
Gut recovery does not happen overnight. In Alan’s case, we saw clear changes in weeks, but stabilization took months.
The important thing is to understand that every small improvement is a victory, and that you are building a solid foundation for everything that will come next.
6. You are not alone in this process
When I began this journey, I felt lost and alone. That’s why today I am committed to supporting you. It’s not just about giving you information — it’s about helping you apply it, step by step, without feeling like you have to do everything at once.
In our community we talk about these topics, we share protocols, recipes, and above all, we support each other on the good days and the not-so-good ones. Because I know that when a mom feels supported, she can better support her child.
In summary,
Your child’s gut is not just their “stomach.” It is a control center that influences their mood, energy, ability to learn, and ability to connect. Caring for it is not optional — it is one of the most powerful keys to opening doors in their development.
It doesn’t matter if you start today with just one small change: removing an inflammatory food, adding a safe probiotic, or simply keeping a daily record. Every step counts — and you are doing a good job.
