Autism Associated With Increased Gastrointestinal Problems

Gastrointestinal (GI) concerns are frequently reported among children with autism spectrum disorder. GI symptoms increases the likelihood of developmental, behavioral and adaptive problems in preschool-aged children.

Children in the autism spectrum are more likely to have common gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation and bloating. Increased GI symptoms are linked to increased behavioral problems like sleep difficulties, self-harm and physical complaints in preschool children.

The UC Davis Health study, published in Autism Research, these GI symptoms are much more common and potentially disruptive in young kids with autism.

Autism Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prognosis
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder typically characterized by impaired social and communication skills combined with repetitive movements.

‘Children with autism are three times more likely to experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms than their normal peers. Early evaluation is necessary to recognize these symptoms as soon as possible and give adequate treatment.’
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"Clinicians and parents need to be aware of the high occurrence of GI problems in kids with autism," said Bibiana Restrepo, assistant clinical professor of pediatrics and first author on the study. "This study highlights the link between GI symptoms and some problematic behaviors we see in preschool-aged children."

Children with autism experience more gastrointestinal symptoms

Gastrointestinal concerns are frequently reported by parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers from the UC Davis MIND Institute evaluated the presence of GI symptoms in preschool-aged children with and without autism.

About Sleep Disorder
Sleep disorders can either be having difficulty in getting sleep or dozing off at inappropriate time.

The study included 255 (184 males/71 females) children with ASD between two and 3.5 years of age and 129 (75 males/54 females) typically developing children in the same age group. Pediatricians specializing in autism interviewed caregivers during the children's medical evaluation. They asked the parents how often their children experienced GI symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, painful stooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, blood in stool and blood in vomit.

The researchers grouped children in two categories: those who experienced one or more GI symptom and those who never or rarely had GI symptoms in the last three months. They compared the children in the two groups on measures of developmental, behavioral and adaptive functioning.

Abdomen Swelling and Fullness- Symptom Evaluation
Abdominal swelling or bloating is the feeling of fullness and tightness in the abdomen (tummy). The bloating-related symptoms are burping, abdominal pain.

The study found that preschool-aged children with ASD were 2.7 times more likely to experience GI symptoms than their typically developing peers. In fact, almost 50% of children with ASD reported frequent GI symptoms - compared to 18% of children with typical development. Around 30% of the children with ASD experienced multiple GI symptoms.

Problem behaviors as an expression of GI discomfort in children

Amoebic Dysentery/Amoebiasis-Causes-Symptoms-Diagnosis-Treatment-Prevention-FAQs
Amoebic dysentery or amoebiasis is an infection of the intestine that causes diarrhoea most frequently along with other causes.

Multiple GI symptoms were associated with increased challenges with sleep and attention, as well as problem behaviors related to self-harm, aggression and restricted or repetitive behavior in both autistic and typically developing children. The severity of these problems was higher in children with autism.

"Problem behaviors may be an expression of GI discomfort in preschool-aged children," said Christine Wu Nordahl, associate professor at UC Davis MIND Institute and the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences. "GI symptoms are often treatable, so it is important to recognize how common they are in children with autism. Treating their GI symptoms could potentially provide some relief to the kids and their parents."

The study found no link between GI symptoms and the children's cognitive development or gender. GI symptoms were equally common in male and female preschool children.

Source-Eurekalert