Does your child with autism have allergies? Does this sound like an allergy?

[JFTB1177]

I have a strong suspicion that my son (32 month old, with ASD) has allergies. First, I am quite sure he has bad GI issues (we are going to Kennedy Krieger this month and will hopefully be referred to a ped GI specialist)... won't go into it too much but let's just say he has loose stools 3 to 5/6 times a day that STINK horribly!! :(

So a week ago these bright pink, BUMPY circles (rashes) have shown up on his face. I thought maybe it could be viral, since he has had a runny nose off an on lately.. but it's not going away. It will fade and almost be gone, and the next day it's back and brighter than ever. His runny nose went away, no fever, no appearance of being sick or anything being wrong. It's not Fifths Disease, I know what that rash looks like as my oldest had it when he was a baby. This rash consists of small bright bumpy circles and there is no rash anywhere else on his body, weird! He does have some eczema but it doesn't look like this. I'm starting to get worried... do you think it could be an allergy?? We eliminated dairy months ago (haven't taken away gluten yet).

[QueenOfTheMeadow]

I would have it checked out. It could be a food sensitivity. Have you eaten any new foods lately or a lot of a certain type of food? My ds1 is on the spectrum and he is sensitive to gluten, dairy, and eggs. UGH! He doesn't react with a rash, but with an upset stomach. ds3 has the same sensitivities, though he's not on the spectrum, but he gets excema under his eyes. Ds2 gets very weird rashes, swelling, etc when he's got a virus, even when he's just fighting one off and doesn't have any symptoms. Used to scare the heck out of us, but now, after years of headng to the doctors, it's just par for the course with him.

So, it could be anything! Yup, I'm helpful, aren't I?

[JFTB1177]

Originally Posted by QueenOfTheMeadow 

I would have it checked out. It could be a food sensitivity. Have you eaten any new foods lately or a lot of a certain type of food? My ds1 is on the spectrum and he is sensitive to gluten, dairy, and eggs. UGH! He doesn't react with a rash, but with an upset stomach. ds3 has the same sensitivities, though he's not on the spectrum, but he gets excema under his eyes. Ds2 gets very weird rashes, swelling, etc when he's got a virus, even when he's just fighting one off and doesn't have any symptoms. Used to scare the heck out of us, but now, after years of headng to the doctors, it's just par for the course with him.

So, it could be anything! Yup, I'm helpful, aren't I?

Actually you've been very helpful, thanks!! :)) It's good to know it is common with other kids (even though I don't wish it on others kids, if you kwim!). He's going to Kennedy Krieger at the end of the month so hopefully we'll get answers! Thanks so much for responding!

[Piglet68]

I know that gluten can cause digestive upsets in many people, not just those with Celiac's, so given my family's experience (and that of others we know) I would start out eliminating wheat from his diet. DS (HFA) always had sensitive skin as a youngster. He is now on a gluten free diet.

[JFTB1177]

Thanks! Yeah we have started eliminating wheat. Also I found out it is eczema!!!