5 Elements Coaching LLC

Autistic Adults & Autoimmunity: Why This Connection Deserves More Attention

I went down a rabbit hole recently—like I always do when something feels personal or sparks my curiosity, and I ended up learning about something we really don’t talk about enough: the connection between autism and autoimmune conditions.

It made me wonder… is this correlation, causation, or a mix of both?

We often talk about autism in terms of communication or sensory needs, but we don’t talk nearly enough about the body that autism lives in. Autistic people have real physical experiences, and so many of those experiences get brushed aside or misunderstood.

Research keeps showing higher rates of autoimmune issues in autistic adults—things like thyroid disorders or chronic gut inflammation. Older studies highlighted immune system differences, and newer work is digging even deeper into innate immune dysfunction and chronic neuroinflammation. It’s not definitive, but it’s a pattern worth paying attention to.

And honestly… when you understand how the body’s systems talk to each other, it makes sense. The nervous system and immune system are in constant communication. If someone has spent years in sensory overwhelm, masking, or feeling chronically unsafe in the world, that takes a toll.
Sometimes it even shows up as autoimmunity.

What really hit me is how validating this is.

Fatigue isn’t laziness.
Gut issues aren’t “just stress.”
Brain fog isn’t a lack of effort.
These are real physical signs that deserve genuine care.

And yes—nutrition plays a role too. Not as a cure (because that’s not how this works), but as one supportive piece of the puzzle. Food affects inflammation, gut integrity, and even our resilience to stress. It’s one more tool that can help people feel more at home in their own bodies.

If we want truly integrative, compassionate care for autistic adults and kids, we can’t treat this as a fringe idea. It deserves space in the conversation.

Because when people finally get answers that line up with their lived experience, they also get options—and hope—that they’ve been missing for way too long.

References

Enstrom AM, Van de Water JA, Ashwood P. Autoimmunity in autism. Curr Opin Investig Drugs. 2009;10(5):463–473.

Hughes HK, Moreno RJ, Ashwood P. Innate Immune Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ). 2024;22(2):229–241. doi:10.1176/appi.focus.24022004

Couldn't have said it better...

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1FZBgSDq1f/

Share with someone who needs this!!! #bodyimage #bodypositivity #selflove #doctor #fyp

Malnutrition Myths You Need to Know

When most people hear malnutrition, they think of someone who’s underweight. But here’s the truth—malnutrition can happen at ANY size.

🚫 Myth 1: Malnutrition only happens when you don’t eat enough
✅ Reality: You can eat plenty of calories but still miss key nutrients your body needs.

🚫 Myth 2: If your weight looks “normal,” your nutrition must be fine
✅ Reality: Weight alone doesn’t tell us if your cells, muscles, and brain are nourished.

🚫 Myth 3: Malnutrition is only a problem in other countries
✅ Reality: Hidden hunger (micronutrient deficiencies) is common everywhere—even in the U.S.

🚫 Myth 4: More calories = better nutrition
✅ Reality: Calories give energy, but true nourishment comes from nutrient-dense foods.

🚫 Myth 5: Malnutrition only affects your body
✅ Reality: It also impacts your brain, mood, and energy.

Malnutrition isn’t about weight—it’s about nourishment. Instead of asking, “Am I the right weight?” try asking, “Am I fueling my body with what it truly needs?”

Share your thoughts below—I’d love to hear them!

Chocolate Treats You’ll Actually Want to Eat (and maybe not share 😉)

Let’s talk REAL dessert.

Not the kind that spikes your blood sugar or leaves you feeling blah...
I’m talking about nourishing, fudgy, feel-good chocolate that satisfies cravings and supports your wellness goals.

Say hello to your new favorite duo:

🥑 Chocolate Avocado Pudding – 5 minutes. One blender. Super creamy. Rich and smooth with ZERO dairy or refined sugar.

🍠🍌🥑 Fudgy Chocolate Brownies – Choose your base: banana, sweet potato, or avocado. These brownies are nutrient-dense, naturally sweetened, and so fudgy you'll want to hide them from your family (don’t worry, we won’t tell).

✨ Bonus: Combine the two for a decadent brownie sundae situation that feels indulgent but fuels your body with real, whole ingredients.

At 5 Elements Coaching LLC, we believe that dessert should be both delicious and empowering.

🧾 Want the full recipes? Go to the full blog post here- https://www.5elementscoaching.org/post/two-chocolate-treats-you-ll-want-to-share-or-not