Autism and Sourdough: a personal journey into Gut Health, Connection and Hope
- jlecot
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
By Alex Rawlings
What does sourdough bread have to do with autism? More than you might expect. This is a story about discovery—of microbes, of mental health, and of how something as simple as bread can support a more balanced life for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
A New Life, A New Learning Curve
When I moved to Belgium five years ago, I had no idea that my life would soon revolve around sourdough, writing, and autism. I was starting over—learning Dutch, baking bread, and building a life with my partner Sandra and her son Jonas, who has Down syndrome and severe autism.
Jonas is non-verbal and, like many adolescents with ASD, was entering a challenging phase of life. Through him—and with Sandra’s deep experience working with children with disabilities—I began to learn about the complexities of autism, especially Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder
SPD is a condition where the brain processes sensory input—like sound, touch, or taste—differently. For people with autism, this often results in sensory overload, leading to anxiety, restlessness, and behaviors like rocking or head-shaking. These are not random—they’re coping mechanisms.
Sandra introduced me to the work of Temple Grandin, whose books helped us understand that these behaviors are often rooted in how the nervous system interprets sensory information. And that’s where our journey into gut health began.
When Gut Health Changed Everything
Jonas fell seriously ill with a Campylobacter infection and was treated with antibiotics. What followed was a dramatic regression: heightened anxiety, digestive issues, and emotional withdrawal. Sandra suspected the antibiotics had disrupted his gut flora—and she was right.
A doctor prescribed a treatment to restore his gut microbiome, and slowly, Jonas began to stabilize. This experience opened my eyes to the profound connection between gut health and autism.
The Gut–Brain Axis: A Two-Way Street
We now know that the gut and brain are deeply connected through what’s called the gut–brain axis. This system allows the trillions of microbes in our digestive tract to communicate with our nervous system, influencing everything from mood to behavior.
Children and adults with ASD often have reduced microbial diversity in their gut and mouth. This imbalance can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, which in turn affects digestion, immunity, and even emotional regulation.
“We are more microbiome than human,” scientists say—our microbial cells outnumber our human cells by roughly 1.3 to 1.
Probiotics, Prebiotics, and the Role of Sourdough
Research shows that probiotics (live beneficial microbes) and prebiotics (the food that feeds them) can help normalize gut flora, strengthen the gut barrier, and even reduce ASD-like behaviors in both animals and humans.
This is where sourdough comes in.
Sourdough bread, especially when made using traditional long fermentation methods, is rich in natural prebiotics and postbiotics. It supports microbial diversity and can be easier to digest than conventional bread.
Jonas, like many children with SPD, has a limited diet. He eats a lot of soft white bread because it’s easy to chew and swallow. We weren’t sure how he’d react to sourdough—but to our surprise, he loved it. I bake a softer crust for him, and he now asks for it regularly. It’s become a small but meaningful part of his diet.
A Natural Path Toward Balance
Jonas still receives probiotic supplements at school, but at home, we’ve added sourdough to his routine. It’s not a cure, but it’s a natural, nourishing step toward better gut health—and by extension, better emotional and neurological balance.
We know that most children with ASD are heavily medicated to manage symptoms. But medication often overlooks the sensitive systems of autistic individuals. A more natural, gut-focused approach could offer real relief—without the side effects.
Why This Matters
Jonas is in full-time care, and we can only influence his diet when he’s home. But I see the difference. I see how much better he copes when his digestive system is supported. I see how his tolerance improves, how his anxiety lessens, and how he’s more present in the moment.
“Most autistic people go through more in a day than we can imagine. They deserve every tool we can offer to help them thrive—not just survive.”
What You Can Do
If you know someone with ASD—or someone who cares for someone with ASD—consider baking them a loaf of sourdough. Or better yet, gift them a starter and teach them how to bake it themselves. You might just change their life.
Further Reading and Resources
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