Definition
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) comprise a group of diagnoses that are collectively characterized by qualitative impairments in social interaction and communication along with stereotyped and repetitive behaviors and interests. The underlying cause, or etiology, of ASD is poorly understood but may be multifactorial with both genetic and environmental factors playing a role. The “leaky gut syndrome,” as it applies to ASD, is based on the theory that the lining, or mucosa, of the intestinal wall is damaged, allowing the contents of the intestine, such as undigested food, toxins, bacteria, and waste, to “leak through” an abnormally permeable bowel wall. There are many theories involving the leaky gut, or increased intestinal permeability specific to ASD. One of these is the leaky gut-opioid excess theory, which posits that incompletely digested proteins derived from the diet are absorbed through a leaky gut, thereby entering the central nervous system and interfering with...
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Johnson, K. (2013). Leaky Gut Syndrome. In: Volkmar, F.R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1698-3_29
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1698-3_29
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