J Pediatr. 2005 May;146(5):582-4. Evaluation of an association between gastrointestinal symptoms and cytokine production against common dietary proteins in childrenwith autism spectrum disorders (ASD) A high prevalence of elevated TNF-alpha/IL-12 production by GI

(+) ASD PBMCs with CMP and its major components indicates a role of

NFH(NON-ALLERGIC FOOD HYPERSENSITIVITY) in GI symptoms observed in children with ASD.

(Translation: They found evidence of gut symptoms and immune activation

in autistic children, a "hypersensitivity" but not the classic allergy)

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center --- May 2004-- A new Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center study provides further evidence of a link between autism and immunologic disorders, including allergy. The study, although preliminary, indicates that children with autism may have an increased prevalence of allergic disorders, particularly of the gastrointestinal system.  Centre for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Royal Free and University College, Medical School, London Inflammatory intestinal pathology has been reported in children with regressive autism (affected children). Detailed analysis of intestinal biopsies in these children indicates a novel lymphocytic enterocolitis with autoimmune features; however, links with cognitive function remain unclear.To characterize further, the nature and extent of this disease we examined the mucosal infiltrate using flow cytometry   J Clin Immunol. 2003 Nov;23(6):504-17.  Autism Foundation and a select group of doctors and scientists in Portlandin Autumn, 2001. More than 50% of autistic children appear to have GI symptoms, foodallergies, and maldigestion/malabsorption issues.  We need large,evidence-based studies need to be done in order to fully understand thegut-brain association in autism.