Why Most Kids on the Spectrum Struggle with Digestion—And What You Can Do

April is Autism Awareness Month, and I wanted to share a more personal update about our journey—what’s helped, what we’ve learned, and where we are today.

My son, Harper, was doubly diagnosed with Autism and a rare genetic disorder called Kleefstra Syndrome. From the beginning, I noticed signs that something wasn’t quite right—his belly was distended, his bowel movements were stinky and filled with undigested food, and he had persistent dark circles under his eyes. As a holistic nutritionist, I knew this wasn’t just coincidence—it was deeply tied to digestion, nutrient absorption, and inflammation.

Harper walking on beach in florida

Harper, 15, walking on the beach

Over the years, I’ve read, researched, and tried nearly everything to support Harper’s health: Western and Eastern medicine, chiropractic care, energy healing, and more. Some things helped, but nothing gave us the full healing we were hoping for. Still, I’ve made significant progress in understanding what helps Harper thrive, especially when it comes to nutrition and gut health.

As moms, especially those with kids who have unique needs, it’s easy to fall into guilt and ask ourselves endless questions—Did I detox enough before pregnancy? Did stress affect his development? Was it the fever I had during the second trimester? I’ve been there. And if you have too, just know: you’re not alone. And there is always hope, step by step.

What I’ve Learned (and What’s Helped Harper Most)

Mother hugging son at the beach

1. Gut Health is Foundational

Most children on the spectrum have some level of digestive imbalance. This affects everything from focus and mood to immune health and behavior.

  • Remove gluten and be very mindful of hidden MSG in packaged foods.

  • Support digestion with digestive enzymes, high-quality probiotics, and GI soothers like marshmallow root and licorice.

  • Keep their bowels moving daily! Regular elimination is key for detox and brain function.

2. Support Detox Pathways

  • Activated Charcoal – Taken on an empty stomach, it binds toxins and supports gentle detox.

  • Cod Liver Oil & Omega-3s – Rich in EPA and DHA to reduce brain inflammation.

  • Cymbiotika Liquid Greens – Easy way to get greens into kids.

  • Parasite & Heavy Metal Cleansing – With guidance, these have helped us immensely.

3. Consider Functional Testing

  • A GI-MAP test has been one of the best investments I’ve made—it gave us a true window into Harper’s gut health, bacterial balance, inflammation, and more.

4. Explore Holistic Therapies

  • Biofeedback

  • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

  • IV Ozone Therapy

  • Craniosacral Therapy

  • Reiki Energy Healing

These have been powerful complementary therapies for us.

Harper’s Favorite Healing Recipes

Harper’s Healing Peach Smoothie

  • 1 Cup Coconut Water

  • 2 oz Aloe Juice

  • 1 Cup Frozen Peaches

  • 1 Banana

  • 1 Tbsp Chia Seeds

  • 1 tbsp Psyllium

  • 1/2 tsp Ceylon cinnamon

  • 1 tsp Local Bee Pollen (great for allergies!)

  • 2 Dates

  • 1 Scoop of Momentum Shake Protein or Lineage Provisions Protein (Use code JENVANHORN for 10% off your order)

Woman sitting by pool with peach smoothie in glass jar

Turmeric Jasmine Rice with Steak or Chicken

  • Cook organic jasmine rice in beef tallow or ghee

  • Add lots of turmeric and ginger for anti-inflammatory benefits

  • Serve with high-quality steak or pasture-raised chicken

Healthy steak with turmeric rice

Simple Tips That Make a Big Difference

  • Start the day with 8–10 oz of lemon water to support the liver and lymphatic drainage.

  • Eliminate dairy, wheat, corn, soy, and peanuts gradually to reduce inflammation.

  • Remove food dyes, preservatives, and hidden MSG from the diet.

  • Add super greens to smoothies or mix into coconut water. I love Cymbiotika Liquid Greens (use this link for discount) with a drop of Young Living Thieves oil.

Jen Van Horn with autistic son Harper

If you’re a parent walking this same path—take heart. Healing takes time. Be kind to yourself. Trust your intuition. And know that even the smallest shifts can create big ripples in your child’s health and joy.

With love,
Jen 💛

Ready to Go Deeper?

If you're looking for personalized support on your child's journey, I offer 1:1 Q+A consultations and functional testing options—including GI-MAP, OATs, and Food Sensitivity Panels. These tools provide deep insight into your child’s gut health, inflammation levels, and detox capacity.

Click here to schedule a consultation or order my favorite test, the GI-MAP test.

You're not alone—and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. I’d be honored to help you take the next step.

Autism, Wellness TipEmily BensonComment