A quarterly publication of the Autism Research Institute
Fall, 2024 | Number 4, Volume 38
A study from Saudi Arabia adds to evidence of a strong association between autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and gastrointestinal (GI) problems.
Khaled Alqoaer and colleagues analyzed data on 146 children with ASD and 114 neurotypical children. The researchers, who examined parents’ ratings of their children’s GI problems over a six-month period, report, “GI symptoms, specifically constipation, abdominal gases and distension, diarrhea, undigested food particles in stool, and mouth ulcers, were significantly more frequent in the ASD group. Weight abnormalities (both increase and decrease) were also more common.” In addition, they found that within the ASD group, a family history of ASD was significantly more common in children with GI symptoms.
“This study,” they conclude, “highlights the significant frequency of GI symptoms in individuals with ASD and underscores the importance of addressing these symptoms in clinical practice.”
“Gastrointestinal symptoms in autism spectrum disorder: a case-control study,” Khaled Alqoaer, Maryam O. Alenzi, Doha Abuharfel, and Aziza Alenazi, Cureus, August 31, 2024 (free online). Address: Khaled Alqoaer, [email protected].
