NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A Vanderbilt University study is backing what parents of autistic children may have suspected for years. There is a possible link between autism and gastrointestinal disorders.

While autistic children have trouble communicating their thoughts, a small wellness clinic in Franklin is taking a holistic approach. At least one parent said it has done wonders for her child.

Teenager Mitchell Allison has been living with autism since he was almost three years old. Allison's mother Julie runs an autism center in Murfreesboro and watched her son's onset of autism.

She noticed as his autism progressed. He had lots of stomach troubles, including problems using the bathroom.

"I had a pediatrician who specializes in autism tell me that there was nothing wrong with him. This was when he was younger, and I said, 'He hasn't had a bowel movement in 12 days,'" said Julie Allison.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center recently finished a study which shows the same gene may be responsible for both autism and gastrointestinal disorders.

For almost 10 years, Mitchell Allison's parents took him to dozens of doctors for help until they found In Harmony. It was there that they enrolled him in a series of colon therapy sessions.

Janice Doochin is an registered nurse who specializes in holistic therapy. She works with a handful of other autistic children like Mitchell.

"Patterns have changed, and (he now has) some independence," said Doochin.

In addition, Mitchell Allison now is more alert from the therapy and is sleeping easier.

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In Harmony Wellness Center