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Autistic spectrum disorders in particular have been linked with digestive difficulties—but in fact all the conditions I’ve been describing in this chapter typically involve a history of gut problems, immune dysfunction, and difficulties with mood, arousal and perceptual skills as well as behaviour and learning. In Natasha’s book Gut and Psychology Syndromes¹³ she explains the connections between all these things, and provides details of her special diet for dealing with even extreme cases of autism. I’d recommend this book to any parent or professional dealing with these syndromes, and although the full diet is not necessary or suitable for every child, the principles are—and she includes some great recipes, too!

To illustrate some of the features Natasha and I had noticed in the children we were seeing, ask yourself whether any of the following apply to your child:

 bottle-fed rather than breastfed (for whatever reason)

 prescribed antibiotics at a young age (for repeated ear infections, for example)

 prone to feeding difficulties/a fussy eater from weaning

 suffers from allergies, repeated infections or other immune-system dysfunction

 has other physical health problems (including digestive difficulties, headaches or other aches and pains)

 has sleep problems

 is prone to anxiety, depression or mood swings

 is very susceptible to stress, with low frustration tolerance, possibly aggression

 has perceptual as well as behaviour or learning difficulties, including visual and auditory symptoms.

The immune system has an extremely powerful influence on both our guts and our brains, from early development right through life. It plays a huge part in the connections between mind and body—but to work properly, your child’s immune system needs both the right nutrients and a proper balance of healthy gut flora. If your child shows many of the features above, read on.