Son with autism has unexplained weight loss

Posted by sonneedshelp @sonneedshelp, Aug 1 12:42pm

My 45 year old severely autistic son for the second time in the last 4 years is having extreme weight loss. He is nonverbal and does not express himself in positive ways. Fours ago in a period of about 3 months he lost about half his body weight. At the time he weighed about 190 lbs. He dropped to 97 lbsduring that timeframe. About a year ago he started gaining some weight back. He got to 150 lbs. Approximately 2 months ago he started losing weight again. As of this past Thursday his weight is down to 120 lbs.

I have had him to numerous doctors for tests. ie. colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, CT scans, blood work, etc...

He does have an issue with very low iron and has had to transfused numerous times over the past few years.

Oh yeh! He eats like a horse! Although lately he is becoming more picky about the food he is given. He drinks a lot of water and milk.

As of late, a nutrionist has put him on a high protein, high caloric diet. So far there is no change other than the continued loss of weight.

I am at a total loss here in Southwest Michigan!

Thank you for any ideas!!!!

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frouke | @frouke | Aug 1 8:51pm

Have you had his thyroid checked, if it’s over active it can cause a lot of weight loss?

covidstinks2023 | @covidstinks2023 | Aug 2 7:35am

I agree about a complete Thyroid Panel. Also, really low B12 can cause weight loss.

Praying for him and you. Blessings....

sonneedshelp | @sonneedshelp | Aug 2 9:24am

In reply to @covidstinks2023 "I agree about a complete Thyroid Panel. Also, really low B12 can cause weight loss. Praying..." + (show)

@covidstinks2023 Thank you very much! That is one test that I am not sure if he has been tested for.

sonneedshelp | @sonneedshelp | Aug 2 9:25am

In reply to @frouke "Have you had his thyroid checked, if it’s over active it can cause a lot of..." + (show)

@frouke Thank you very much! That is one test that I am not sure that he has been tested for.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Aug 13 2:44pm

@sonneedshelp, any update on your son?

You may also wish to join parents in this caregivers discussion:
- Any parents caring for adult children? Let's share https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/any-parents-caring-for-adult-children-lets-share/

sonneedshelp | @sonneedshelp | Aug 13 4:58pm

In reply to @colleenyoung "@sonneedshelp, any update on your son? You may also wish to join parents in this caregivers..." + (show)

@colleenyoung

Thank you for the information.

sonneedshelp | @sonneedshelp | Aug 13 5:01pm

It turns out that he had his thyroid checked over a year ago. It was very high, over 12. Normal is .3-5.0. Normally he should be gaining weight not losing. But then being severely autistic, who really knows. He scheduled for another blood test next week.

vjs003 | @vjs003 | Aug 14 9:35am

from the National Institute of Health. Celiac disease can trigger unexplained weight loss. When people with this condition eat gluten (found in wheat, barley, and rye), it harms the small intestine. This damage stops the body from taking in food and nutrients properly, which leads to weight loss, low energy, and vitamin shortages.

sonneedshelp | @sonneedshelp | Aug 14 1:32pm

Thank you

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Aug 27 7:40pm

In reply to @sonneedshelp "It turns out that he had his thyroid checked over a year ago. It was very..." + (show)

@sonneedshelp, any updates about your son? Did further testing reveal anything?

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