Lately I’ve been getting lots of questions about why some autistic kids laugh excessively or at inappropriate times. You may have found some explanations on Google, but functional medicine provides another potential reason…one you may not have heard about elsewhere.
When there is a yeast (aka candida) overgrowth in the intestines, the byproduct of breaking down that yeast is an alcohol-like substance. Your child may behave a little intoxicated!
Laughing isn’t only related to yeast overgrowth, and yeast overgrowth isn’t the only cause of excessive or inappropriate laughter. But this laughter can be a clue that you should dig deeper into the possibility of yeast overgrowth in your child.
My favorite way to test for yeast overgrowth is the organic acid test (OAT). The great thing about this urine test is that it can test for a number of other things while you’re at it.
Causes of Yeast Overgrowth
There are a couple of very common reasons that your child may have yeast overgrowth:
- A diet high in sugars or simple carbohydrates
- Use of steroids or antibiotics
Other Symptoms of Yeast Overgrowth
As I mentioned, excessive or inappropriate laughter isn’t a guaranteed diagnosis of yeast overgrowth. So here are a few other common symptoms to look for:
- Constipation
- Hyperactivity
- Poor sleep
- Bedwetting
- Persistent white coating on the tongue, cheeks, or roof of the mouth
- Bloating
- Eczema or other skin rashes
- Cracking, rash, or white overgrowth between the toes
If you see any of these symptoms in combination with excessive or inappropriate laughter, you really should consider testing for yeast overgrowth.
I cover treatment of yeast overgrowth in the Your Autism Game Plan Course!
Be gentle with yourself. You’re doing a great job.
I hope this information has been helpful to you as part of creating Your Autism Game Plan.
Do you have questions or requests for future videos? Email me at joya@yourautismgameplan.com
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The Your Autism Game Plan Course is all about using functional medicine techniques to identify and address the root causes of your child’s troublesome autism symptoms. These are techniques you can use right at home, starting today! Click the button above to access a step-by-step guide to to my “Essential Five” and get the relief that your child (and your family) deserves.
