Q&A and Common Pitfalls

Could my child be misdiagnosed with autism?

 

Some children with immune or neurological conditions may present with autism-like symptoms but respond to medical treatments that are not typically part of autism care. One mother’s story in Quillette describes how her child was initially diagnosed with ASD but ultimately treated for autoimmune encephalitis—with profound results.

Can medical conditions like Celiac disease mimic autism?

 

Yes, in some cases. There are documented instances where children diagnosed with autism were later found to have Celiac disease. Once treated with a gluten-free diet, these children experienced significant improvements in communication and behavior.

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Celiac disease presenting as autism

Why should I test for Celiac before going gluten-free?​

 

Once a child is off gluten, Celiac tests can show false negatives—making diagnosis difficult. Restarting gluten later (a "gluten challenge") is not only unreliable but can also cause severe symptoms and lasting setbacks. Testing before removing gluten helps avoid that risk.

What are some signs of improvement when gut issues are addressed?​

 

Parents often report better eye contact, more speech, calmer behavior, improved sleep, and more typical play and social interaction once the gut begins to heal.

What are signs that the gut is affecting my child’s brain?

 

Watch for patterns like:

• Sudden loss of words or motor skills

• Increased stimming or repetitive behaviors after meals

• Oily or foul-smelling stools

• Mood changes or sleep disturbances tied to dietary changes

What tests should I ask for?​

 

You can start with:

• Celiac panel (including TTG-IgA and total IgA)

• Stool microbiome testing (like Tiny Health)

• Zinc and copper levels

• Optional: Micronutrient panel, food sensitivity tests, or folate receptor antibody testing depending on symptoms

How can I track symptoms and progress?​

 

A simple log of foods, supplements, symptoms, and behaviors can reveal patterns. Eventually, Gut Clues may offer a downloadable tracker or app to help with this.