by Dr Heather Way
April was Autism Awareness Month, and for me, it’s a meaningful opportunity to share insights I’ve gained both as a mother and researcher into the critical connection between gut health and autism.
Recent findings, including a 2023 Cambridge University study, reinforce what I’ve personally experienced: autistic individuals often struggle with chronic physical health conditions, particularly gastrointestinal issues such as IBS, celiac disease, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
My journey started when my two sons were diagnosed with autism – one non-verbal and the other with Asperger’s, ADHD, anxiety, and sensory sensitivities. Early on, it became clear to me how deeply gastrointestinal health impacted their overall wellbeing.
I noticed that gastrointestinal discomfort directly influenced my sons’ moods, their behaviour, and their cognitive function. I realised that addressing gut health was an important key to helping my children thrive.
My research has consistently highlighted the powerful role of the gut microbiome – the trillions of beneficial bacteria in our digestive systems – in managing autism symptoms. There’s compelling scientific evidence demonstrating how the gut and brain communicate via the gut-brain axis. Many autistic individuals experience ‘dysbiosis,’ an imbalance in gut bacteria linked to gastrointestinal discomfort, inflammation, and behavioural symptoms.
Gut inflammation doesn’t just affect digestion; it also significantly impacts sleep, mood, focus, and behaviour. Parents might mistakenly perceive their child as being deliberately disruptive or ‘naughty’, but these behaviours often have their roots in gut discomfort.
Constipation is a commonly cited issue, but children can also experience diarrhea, bloating, extreme fussy eating, anxiety, sleep issues, infections, tics, and sensory overload. These are all connected through the gut-brain axis.
When the microbiome is disrupted, it impacts everything from digestion and nutrient absorption to emotional regulation and sensory processing. I’ve witnessed firsthand how optimising gut health can significantly improve autistic symptoms such as anxiety, sensory issues, and language development. By supporting the gut and reducing inflammation, we see less anxiety, improvements in behaviour, sleep, focus, and socialisation.
If you’re a parent looking to explore gut health as a pathway to supporting your child with autism, there are several practical steps I’ve found beneficial.
Making sweeping changes to your child’s diet can often be overwhelming for the whole family, so I always suggest starting small. Swapping soft drinks for kombucha is a simple change. It’s about baby steps – no sudden movements!
I have developed a fussy eating protocol. It’s designed to help parents transition their autistic child from the familiar white processed foods, to gut-friendly anti-inflammatory foods. Ever so gradually, we introduce fresh vegetables, meats and fruits, and move onto fermented desserts like coconut yogurt to support a healthy microbiome. We gradually phase out foods known to trigger inflammation and gut issues, such as gluten, dairy, soy, and artificial additives. This process takes about 6 weeks, but it’s well worth the effort to have healthy nutritious meals.
It’s also helpful to closely monitor dietary changes and their impact on behaviour. I recommend keeping a food diary to track what your child eats and observing any changes in mood, sleep patterns, digestive issues, and behavioural improvements. Noting these specific changes can help fine-tune dietary choices effectively over time.
Finally, seeking professional support can greatly enhance your approach. Consider nutrigenomic testing to uncover your child’s unique blueprint, so we can tailor care, not to change them, but to empower them. At TACGA, we don’t use a one-size-fits-all model. We start by conducting saliva and stool testing to examine each child’s genes and gut bacteria. Understanding their biology helps us see where any blockages might be in their pathways. Then we are able to give their mind and body exactly what they need to flourish. No more guesswork.
Working alongside nutritionists or healthcare providers experienced in autism and gut health can help you create a personalised and effective nutrition plan tailored specifically for your child.
Understanding and leveraging the gut-brain connection can empower you to significantly enhance your child’s quality of life.
About Author
Dr Heather Way (PhD) is a dedicated Autism researcher and practitioner passionate about the transformative power of personalised genomics. She spoke at the Mindd International Forum in Sydney from May 1st – May 3rd.
About Mindd International Forum 2025:
The Mindd International Forum 2025 (MIF25) was a premier event bringing together global leaders to share the latest advancements in integrative healthcare. The forum provided an opportunity for medical practitioners, allied health professionals, educators, and the community to learn from world-renowned experts about the role that lifestyle, diet, and environmental factors can play in supporting individuals with complex chronic conditions.
MIF25 is an initiative of the Mindd Foundation, an organisation supporting individuals with autism, ADHD, allergies and other chronic conditions by educating families and training practitioners about the power of integrative and functional healthcare. The foundation’s work highlights the interconnectedness of metabolic, immunological, neurological, digestive, and developmental factors that influence overall health and wellbeing.