Gastrointestinal symptoms and behavioral problems in preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are frequently reported in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and an impact of GI comorbidity on ASD behavioral problems has been hypothesized.

Aims: To explore the type and the prevalence of GI symptoms in ASD patients and typical development (TD) controls, and to investigate their possible association with behavioral problems.

Methods: A total of 230 preschoolers were included in this study. Specifically, four groups of children were evaluated: ASD individuals suffering from GI symptoms (ASD/GI+), ASD subjects without GI symptoms (ASD/GI-), TD peers with (TD/GI+) and without (TD/GI-) GI symptoms. Parental report of behavioral problems and GI symptoms were assessed through the Child Behavior Check List 1½-5.

Results: A significant higher percentage of ASD (37.4%) versus TD (14.8%) with GI symptoms was observed. 'Constipated' and 'Not-Eat' were the most frequent GI symptoms both in ASD and in TD groups, but they were evaluated as more severe in ASD patients. ASD/GI+ children had more anxiety problems, somatic complaints, externalizing and total problems than ASD/GI- individuals. TD/GI+ did not show more behavioral problems than TD/GI-.

Conclusion: Development of evidence-based guidelines for identification of GI problems in ASD preschoolers is warranted. GI symptomatology should be accurately assessed, especially in ASD children with anxiety and/or externalizing behavioral problems.

Keywords: Anxiety problems; Child Behavior Checklist 1½–5; Externalizing problems; Gut-brain axis.