scholarly journals Autism and nutrition: the role of the gut–brain axis

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 199-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marijke M. H. van De Sande ◽  
Vincent J. van Buul ◽  
Fred J. P. H. Brouns
Keyword(s):  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Gluten Free ◽  
Gut Health ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Multivitamin Supplementation ◽  
Gastrointestinal Problems ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Carbohydrate Digestion

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterised by deficits in the ability to socialise, communicate and use imagination, and displays of stereotypical behaviour. It is widely accepted that ASD involves a disorder in brain development. However, the real causes of the neurodevelopmental disorders associated with ASD are not clear. In this respect, it has been found that a majority of children with ASD display gastrointestinal symptoms, and an increased intestinal permeability. Moreover, large differences in microbiotic composition between ASD patients and controls have been reported. Therefore, nutrition-related factors have been hypothesised to play a causal role in the aetiology of ASD and its symptoms. Through a review of the literature, it was found that abnormalities in carbohydrate digestion and absorption could explain some of the gastrointestinal problems observed in a subset of ASD patients, although their role in the neurological and behavioural problems remains uncertain. In addition, the relationship between an improved gut health and a reduction of symptoms in some patients was evaluated. Recent trials involving gluten-free diets, casein-free diets, and pre- and probiotic, and multivitamin supplementation show contradictive but promising results. It can be concluded that nutrition and other environmental influences might trigger an unstable base of genetic predisposition, which may lead to the development of autism, at least in a subset of ASD patients. Clear directions for further research to improve diagnosis and treatment for the different subsets of the disorder are provided.

scholarly journals A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on metaphor comprehension in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: Do task properties matter?

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 1421-1454 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamar Kalandadze ◽  
Valentina Bambini ◽  
Kari-Anne B. Næss
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Syntactic Structure ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Response Format ◽  
Metaphor Comprehension ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractIndividuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience difficulty in comprehending metaphors compared to individuals with typical development (TD). However, there is a large variation in the results across studies, possibly related to the properties of the metaphor tasks. This preregistered systematic review and meta-analysis (a) explored the properties of the metaphor tasks used in ASD research, and (b) investigated the group difference between individuals with ASD and TD on metaphor comprehension, as well as the relationship between the task properties and any between-study variation. A systematic search was undertaken in seven relevant databases. Fourteen studies fulfilled our predetermined inclusion criteria. Across tasks, we detected four types of response format and a great variety of metaphors in terms of familiarity, syntactic structure, and linguistic context. Individuals with TD outperformed individuals with ASD on metaphor comprehension (Hedges’ g = −0.63). Verbal explanation response format was utilized in the study showing the largest effect size in the group comparison. However, due to the sparse experimental manipulations, the role of task properties could not be established. Future studies should consider and report task properties to determine their role in metaphor comprehension, and to inform experimental paradigms as well as educational assessment.

scholarly journals Adolescents’ Intuitive Appraisal, Attributions and Emotions for their Relationships with their Parents

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
pp. 22
Author(s):  
Georgia Stephanou ◽  
Georgios Gkavras
Keyword(s):  
Relative Strength ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Parent Relationships ◽  
General Outcome ◽  
Controllable Factors ◽  
Adolescent Parent ◽  
Parent Relationship ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

This study study aimed to examine (a) adolescents’ attributions and emotions for their subjectively perceived good and bad relationships with their parents, (b) the association of the intuitive and attributional appraisals of the adolescent-parent relationship with the subsequent emotions, and (c) the role of the perceived importance of the good adolescent-parent relationship in the generation of attributions and emotions, and in the impact of attributions on emotions. The sample comprised 670 adolescents, both genders, aged 14-17 years old, representing various parental socioeconomic levels. The results showed that: (a) It was extremely important for the adolescents to have good relationships with their parents, (b) the perceived good adolescent-parent relationships were attributed to internal, stable and personal controllable factors, along with parent- and self-parent interactive- related factors, while the estimated as bad relationships were attributed to external, stable, personal uncontrollable and external controllable factors (parents’ negative properties), (c) the adolescents experienced intense positive and negative emotions (mainly, general / outcome- dependent) for the perceived good and bad relationships with their parents, respectively, (d) both intuitive and attributional appraisals of the relationship were associated with the emotions, particularly in the perceived bad adolescent-parent relationship, and (e) the relative strength of the association of the attributional dimensions with the emotions varied between the perceived good and bad adolescent-parent relationship and across the various emotions. Keywords: Adolescent-Parent Relationship, Attributions, Emotions, Intuitive Appraisal.

scholarly journals The Mediating Role of Alexithymia in the Relationship Between Defense Mechanisms and Tendency to High-risk Behaviors Among Adolescents

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-36
Author(s):  
Zahra Nikmanesh ◽  
◽  
Mehdi Darvish Molla ◽  
Mehrnosh Mehranfard ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High School Students ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Path Analysis ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
High Risk Behaviors ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Although high-risk behaviors lead to adverse physical, psychological, and sociological consequences, less attention has been paid to identifying their related factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the mediating role of alexithymia in the relationship between defense mechanisms and high-risk behaviors among adolescents in Zahedan. Methods: In this descriptive-correlative study, junior and senior high school students of Zahedan, Iran were studied in the academic year 2015-2016. A sample of 250 (125 males and 125 females) students were chosen by multi-stage cluster sampling and asked to complete the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), and the Risk-Taking Scale (IARS) for Iranian Adolescents. Data analysis was conducted by measuring coefficients of correlation and performing a path analysis. Results: Path analysis showed a significant correlation between defense mechanisms and alexithymia (P<0.01) and a significant correlation was found between immature defense mechanisms and high-risk behaviors (P<0.01). Conclusion: In the relationship between dysfunctional defense mechanisms and high-risk activities, alexithymia played a mediating role. It can be inferred that dysfunctional defense mechanisms play a key role in high-risk activities by influencing alexithymia.

Marketing and family-related factors affecting food label use: the mediating role of consumer knowledge

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daleen Van der Merwe ◽  
Hanli de Beer ◽  
Marli Nel ◽  
Susanna M. Ellis
Keyword(s):  
Food Choices ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Objective Knowledge ◽  
Food Label ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThis study investigated the influence of marketing- and family-related factors on consumers' in-store usage of different types of food label information. Furthermore, the authors determined the mediating role of consumers' knowledge about healthy foods between these factors and their label consultation.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a survey among 223 purposively selected South African working female consumers via social media. Subjective and objective knowledge about healthy foods, the importance of marketing- and family-related factors and the extent of food label usage were determined. Structural equation modelling served to test the mediating effect of knowledge in the relationship of the marketing and family-related factors with food label usage.FindingsMarketing-related factors demonstrated a strong direct effect on food label usage. Subjective knowledge about healthy foods mediated the relationship between family members' dietary needs and food label usage. However, objective knowledge was not a mediator.Practical implicationsRespondents' firm reliance on marketing-related factors (instead of knowledge) during food label usage is not in the best interest of consumers' healthy food choices. Healthy food choices based on factual knowledge rather than marketing efforts are necessary to establish long-term healthy food habits, hence the need for retailers' response in supplying healthier food options. Role players in consumer education should focus on increasing consumers' healthy food knowledge.Originality/valueIn the context of rising awareness of public health concerns, healthy food choice among consumers is essential. This study contributes to the complexity of consumers' need to make healthy food choices within an economic-driven marketing environment.

Gastrointestinal concerns in children with autism spectrum disorder: A qualitative study of family experiences

Autism ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 136236132110626
Author(s):  
Calliope Holingue ◽  
Ohemaa Poku ◽  
Danika Pfeiffer ◽  
Sarah Murray ◽  
M. Daniele Fallin
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Quality Healthcare ◽  
Gastrointestinal Distress ◽  
Gastrointestinal Problems ◽  
Verbal Behaviors

Gastrointestinal distress is a prevalent issue in the autism spectrum disorder community, with implications for the person living with autism spectrum disorder and their families. However, the experiences of families caring for a child with co-occurring autism spectrum disorder and gastrointestinal symptoms have not been explored to date. We conducted one-on-one semi-structured interviews with 12 parents of children with co-occurring autism spectrum disorder and gastrointestinal symptoms. Using an inductive analysis approach, drawing on phenomenology, we identified four major themes across interviews. First, parents reported that their child had difficulty verbally communicating the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms, leading parents to rely on bodily signs and non-verbal behaviors to recognize when their child was experiencing gastrointestinal distress (Theme 1). Next, gastrointestinal issues impacted the child’s well-being and the ability to participate in and fully engage in activities (Theme 2), and the family’s well-being (Theme 3). Finally, parents often experienced challenges with seeking accessible and quality healthcare for their child’s gastrointestinal problems (Theme 4). These findings elucidate the incredible toll that gastrointestinal symptoms have on the overall wellness of children with autism spectrum disorder and their families. Lay abstract Gastrointestinal problems are common in the autism spectrum disorder community and may affect both the person with autism spectrum disorder and their families. However, little research is available on the experiences of families who have a child with both autism spectrum disorder and gastrointestinal symptoms. We held one-on-one interviews with 12 parents of children who had both autism spectrum disorder and gastrointestinal symptoms. We analyzed the raw text responses from these interviews and identified four main themes. First, parents shared that their children had trouble verbally communicating when they were experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms (Theme 1). This led parents to use bodily signs, such as changes in the stool, and non-verbal behaviors, such as irritability, to recognize when their child was having gastrointestinal symptoms. Next, gastrointestinal issues affected both the child’s well-being and their ability to attend class and extracurricular or social activities (Theme 2). The gastrointestinal issues also affected the family’s routines, overall well-being, and their ability to go out and do activities together as a family (Theme 3). Finally, parents often had challenges receiving accessible and quality healthcare for their child’s gastrointestinal problems (Theme 4). Together, these findings highlight the enormous burden that gastrointestinal symptoms have on the wellness of children with autism spectrum disorder and their families.

scholarly journals Mediating role of abnormal sensory processing in the relationship between autistic traits and internalizing problems

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yurika Tsuji ◽  
Satoko Matsumoto ◽  
Aya Saito ◽  
Shu Imaizumi ◽  
Yoko Yamazaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
University Students ◽  
Sensory Processing ◽  
Internalizing Problems ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Japanese Female ◽  
The Relationship

Sensory processing abnormalities are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and previous studies have shown a positive correlation between sensory processing and internalizing problems. This study examines the role of sensory processing abnormalities and difficulties resulting from sensory processing abnormalities on relationships between autistic traits and internalizing problems in Japanese female university students. One hundred and twelve female university students completed a questionnaire about their autistic traits, sensory processing, awareness of difficulties resulting from sensory processing abnormalities, and internalizing problems. Analysis of the data reveals that autistic traits correlate with low registration and sensation avoiding. Moreover, those who scored high on these indicators, demonstrated difficulties resulting from sensory processing abnormalities as the cause of internalizing problems.

scholarly journals The role of Campylobacter spp. in chronic enteropathy in dogs

2019 ◽  
Vol 88 (3) ◽  
pp. 341-347
Author(s):  
Miloš Vávra ◽  
Gabriela Bořilová ◽  
Michal Fusek ◽  
Vojtěch Gabriel ◽  
Václav Ceplecha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Histopathological Examination ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Research Subjects ◽  
Chronic Enteropathy ◽  
Gastrointestinal Problems ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
Campylobacter Upsaliensis ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Campylobacter Spp

The aim of the study was to identify Campylobacter species in a group of patients with chronic gastrointestinal problems and to investigate the relationship between the presence of Campylobacter spp. in stool samples and as well as the severity of chronic enteropathy. Twenty-six dogs with chronic gastrointestinal problems were included in the prospective study. Each research subject had their stomach, duodenum, ileum, and colon examined endoscopically. A histopathological examination of the obtained biopsy samples was then performed, excluding other potential diseases. Stool samples were collected and then examined for the presence of Campylobacter spp. To evaluate the relationship between Campylobacter spp. occurrence and the intensity of chronic enteropathy, patients were divided into two groups; animals in the first group presented with no to mild inflammation whereas research subjects in the second group suffered from moderate to severe inflammation. Subsequently, the patients were divided based on positive or negative test results for Campylobacter spp. cultures. No significant relationship between the presence of Campylobacter spp. in stool samples and chronic enteropathy was found. In contrast to other previously published papers, our study showed a lower occurrence of Campylobacter upsaliensis.

scholarly journals The role of dietary fiber in the correction of digestion and constipation of various etiologies

2019 ◽  
pp. 99-106
Author(s):  
E. Yu. Plotnikova ◽  
T. Yu. Gracheva ◽  
M. N. Sinkovа ◽  
L. K. Isakov
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Fiber ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Soluble Fiber ◽  
International Nonproprietary Name ◽  
Oat Bran ◽  
Gastrointestinal Problems ◽  
Plantago Psyllium ◽  
Functional Digestive Disorders

Psyllium is a predominantly soluble fiber among other natural plant-based dietary fiber used in food and pharmaceuticals and is sold as a laxative fiber. Isphagula (lat. ispaghula)– international nonproprietary name of a medicine of «psyllium». Accordingly to ATX belongs to the group of «Laxatives», subgroup «A06AC «Laxatives increasing volume of intestinal contents» (Bulking laxatives) and has the following code and name: «A06AC01 «Ispaghula» (plantain oval seeds)». Isphagula is a medical dietary fiber; in the context of gastrointestinal problems in terms of «ispaghula» and «psyllium» are synonymous. Psyllium flour has virtually no digestible carbohydrates. This fact is a significant advantage of psyllium over oat bran, in which such carbohydrates are more than 60%. A distinctive feature of psyllium is that it is almost completely (80–85%) consists of fiber (about 70% of which is soluble), which in contact with water turns into a soft gel. Only 1 gram of fiber ground fiber flour is able to absorb up to 45 ml of water. In the colon, psyllium is resistant to fermentation, remains intact in the feces and significantly increases the water content in the feces, providing a laxative effect. Psyllium softens hard stools in constipation, normalizes loose stools in diarrhea, and normalizes stool shape in patients with IBS, relieving gastrointestinal symptoms. Dietary supplement «Fitomucil® Norm» contains 4.5 g of psyllium (Plantago psyllium), and dry pulp of prunes (Prunus domestica) – 0.5 g. This combination of psyllium and prunes can be widely used in patients with constipation and other functional digestive disorders in different age groups, including pregnant and lactating women, as a first-line remedy.

scholarly journals PENGARUH POLA ASUH ORANG TUA DAN DIET BEBAS GLUTEN/KASEIN TERHADAP PERBAIKAN GEJALA AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)

Al-Hikmah ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 169
Author(s):  
Sari Eka Pratiwi ◽  
Fitri Sukmawati
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Parenting Style ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Complementary Therapy ◽  
Development Stage ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Nutrition Intervention ◽  
Gluten Free ◽  
Relationship Of

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a development impairment characterized by cognitive and neurobehavioral deficit, including communication and social problem that need psycology and education intervention for the children and the parents, also nutrition intervention with Gluten-Free Casein-Free (GFCF). This study’s aim is to identify the parenting style and Gluten-Free Casein-Free diet role in ASD’s symptoms modification. This study was start with collecting the references and research publications, and study the relationship of parenting style and GFCF diet to ASD. Flexible Parenting style in ASD is important and need to be adjusted based on the characteristic, development stage and the children’s situation. Diet GFCF can be a complementary therapy to reduce ASD’s symptoms particularly children with gluten allergy and have celiac disease. However, the children without any gastrointestinal symptoms to gluten/casein products need a consideration and advance examination to determine GFCF diet requirement. [Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) merupakan suatu kelainan perkembangan saraf yang dicirikan dengan adanya defisit kognitif dan neurobehavioralyang mencakup masalah komunikasi dan perilaku sosial, yang memerlukanintervensi psikologis dan edukasi pada anak dan orang tua, serta intervensi nutrisi dengan pembatasan asupan gluten dan kasein yang dikenal dengan diet Gluten-Free Casein-Free (GFCF). Penulisan telaah jurnal ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh pola asuh orang tua dan pembatasan asupan gluten dan kasein terhadap perbaikan gejala ASD. Penulisan telaah literatur dilakukan dengan mengumpulkan berbagai sumber teori dan hasil penelitian kemudian dilakukan telaah terhadap hubungan kedua faktor yaitu pola asuh dan pembatasan asupan gluten dan kasein terhadap ASD. Gaya pengasuhan pada ASD perlu dilakukan secara fleksibel sesuai dengan keunikan karakter anak, tahap perkembangan anak, dan situasi yang sedang dihadapi. Terapi pembatasan asupan gluten/kasein dapat menjadi pilihan terapi pelengkap untuk mengurangi gejala ASD terutama pada anak yang alergi gluten dan mengalami penyakit celiac. Namun, pada anak yang tidak memiliki gejala saluran cerna terhadap produk gluten/kasein perlu pertimbangan dan pemeriksaan lebih lanjut untuk menentukan perlu tidaknya pembatasan gluten/kasein pada makanannya]. Kata Kunci: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Gluten-Free Casein-Free (GFCF), Pola Asuh Pada ASD, Autisme, Terapi Nutrisi Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

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