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Review
. 2020 Jul;29(3):501-513.
doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2020.02.005. Epub 2020 Apr 2.

Gastrointestinal Issues and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Moneek Madra  1 , Roey Ringel  2 , Kara Gross Margolis  3
Affiliations
Review

Gastrointestinal Issues and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Moneek Madra et al. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2020 Jul.

Abstract

Gastrointestinal disorders are one of the most common medical conditions that are comorbid with autism spectrum disorders. These comorbidities can cause greater severity in autism spectrum disorder symptoms, other associated clinical manifestations, and lower quality of life if left untreated. Clinicians need to understand how these gastrointestinal issues present and apply effective therapies. Effective treatment of gastrointestinal problems in autism spectrum disorder may result in marked improvements in autism spectrum disorder behavioral outcomes. This article discusses the gastrointestinal disorders commonly associated with autism spectrum disorders, how they present, and studied risk factors.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorders; Brain-gut axis; Constipation; Diarrhea; Gastroesophageal reflux; Gastrointestinal disorders; Microbiome.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure The authors have nothing to disclose.

Figures

Figure 1:
Figure 1:
The major brain and intestinal comorbidities associated with ASD
Figure 2:
Figure 2:
The microbiome can have a significant effect on gut function as well as on mood and behavior. The studies that have sought to evaluate the gut microbiome in ASD have demonstrated variable results. This is likely because there are many factors that impact the microbiome that may differ, on an individual basis, in patients with ASD. These factors include diet, geography, genetics, body mass index (BMI), medications and other medical conditions.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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