An expert panel has asserted that there is no concrete evidence to back the speculation that digestive problems are more common in children who suffer from autism, as compared to other kids of the same age, and neither is there anything to support that special diets work. The panel's statement has been totally contrary to the claims made by celebrities and vaccine naysayers.

The group's report pointed out the painful digestive problems could be one factor to trigger behavior problems in children with autism and should be definitely treated medically, as soon as possible.

"There are a lot of barriers to medical care to children with autism. They can be destructive and unruly in the office, or they can't sit still. The nature of their condition often prevents them from getting standard medical care", said lead author of the report Dr. Timothy Buie of Harvard Medical School.

In 2008, more than 25 experts had come together in Boston to write the consensus report after thorough revision of medical research carried out in this respect. Although no input was given by the groups, the Autism Society and other autism groups did fund the study.

The detailed report, released on Monday, has been published in the January issue of Pediatrics.