Researchers report more evidence linking ASD, GI problems

A study by U.S. researchers adds to evidence that children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are more likely than neurotypical children to experience persistent gastrointestinal problems.

Bibiana Restrepo and colleagues analyzed data collected on 322 children with ASD and 153 neurotypical controls. The children had been evaluated at up to three time points when they were between two and 12 years of age.

The researchers report, “Children with autism presented with more gastrointestinal symptoms at each time point, and they were also more likely to experience multiple and persistent gastrointestinal symptoms.” Nearly half of the children in the ASD group experienced gastrointestinal symptoms at one time point, 40% experienced symptoms at two time points, and 30% experienced symptoms at all three time points. The most commonly reported symptoms were constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, and abdominal pain.

In addition, the researchers say, “The presence and number of gastrointestinal symptoms were associated with greater impairment in internalizing behaviors, sleep, communication, sensory processing, and repetitive behaviors.”

The researchers urge clinicians to ask about gastrointestinal issues during routine checkups for patients with ASD. In addition, they say, “[W]hen parents raise concerns about a new behavior problem arising, it is important to screen for gastrointestinal symptoms, as children with autism may not be able to report their symptoms at all and parent observation is the most important source of information.”

Citations

“A longitudinal evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder,” Bibiana Restrepo, Sandra L. Taylor, Matthew Dominic Ponzini, Kathleen Angkustsiri, Marjorie Solomon, Sally J. Rogers, Paul Ashwood, Daphne S. Say, Sonny Caceres, Shayan Alavynejad, Brianna Heath, David G. Amaral, and Christine Wu Nordahl, Autism, August 28, 2025. Address: Bibiana Restrepo, Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817, [email protected].

—and—

“Autistic children more likely to experience persistent stomach problems,” news release, Nadine A. Yehya, University of California at Davis, September 17, 2025.