Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review |
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Authors: | Geraldine Leader Cathal Abberton Stephen Cunningham Katie Gilmartin Margo Grudzien Emily Higgins Lokesh Joshi Sally Whelan Arlene Mannion |
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Affiliation: | 1.Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research, School of Psychology, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland; (C.A.); (S.C.); (K.G.); (E.H.); (L.J.); (S.W.); (A.M.);2.Healthy Mind Clinic, 61 Old Church Crescent, Clondalkin, D22 VK63 Dublin, Ireland; |
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Abstract: | This systematic review aims to offer an updated understanding of the relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children and adolescents. The databases PsycINFO, Medline, Cinahl, and ERIC were searched using keywords, and relevant literature was hand-searched. Papers (n = 3319) were systematically screened and deemed eligible if they were empirical studies published in English since 2014 and measured the GIS of individuals with ASD who were under 18 years old. Thirty studies were included in the final review. The study findings were synthesized under eight themes, including the prevalence and nature of GIS and their relationship with developmental regression, language and communication, ASD severity, challenging behavior, comorbid psychopathology, sleep problems, and sensory issues. The review found that GIS were common and that there was contradictory evidence concerning their relationship with co-occurring conditions. It also identified evidence of some causal relationships that support the existence of the gut–immune–brain pathways. Future research needs to use large prospective designs and objective and standardized GIS measurements to provide a nuanced understanding of GIS in the context of ASD. |
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Keywords: | autism spectrum disorders gastrointestinal symptoms comorbidity regression language and communication severity challenging behavior psychopathology sleep problems sensory issues autism symptoms |
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