Gastrointestinal symptoms and behavioral problems in preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Issue 3 (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fulceri, Francesca; Morelli, Mariangela; Santocchi, Elisa; Cena, Hellas; Del Bianco, Teresa; Narzisi, Antonio; Calderoni, Sara; Muratori, Filippo
• Is Part Of: Digestive and liver disease. Volume 48:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 248
• Page End: 254
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: Anxiety problems -- Child Behavior Checklist 1½–5 -- Externalizing problems -- Gut-brain axis; Digestive organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Liver -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.33005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2015.11.026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1590-8658

Abstract

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.