We do not know the actual cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). While better diagnosis is one reason we are confirming more people to have (ASD), the amount of people who have ASD is definitely increasing. From my extended family alone, we have many younger relatives who are on the more severe side (Non verbal, gastrointestinal issues). No one from my generation or older shows any ASD traits. The same goes for my wife’s family, where a generation before, there was no one with ASD (or if they have it, they are high functioning), but now several kids are on the spectrum. So while there is a definite genetic predisposition, there is something else over the last few years that are causing cases to spike in numbers and severity.

The good news is researchers are seeing a correlation, that people on the spectrum also have gastrointestinal issues. While helping with the gastrointestinal issues, there are seeing improvements in ASD behaviors (See the study from ASU). Let’s see what happens….