Portrait of sick unhappy little child asian boy touching belly stomach with suffering from stomach ache pain, gastritis at home
Children diagnosed with autism are significantly more likely to experience persistent gastrointestinal (GI) issues compared to their typically developing peers. This is the conclusion of a recent study conducted by the UC Davis MIND Institute, published in the journal Autism. The study also highlights a connection between these digestive problems and increased challenges in areas such as sleep, communication, sensory processing, and behavior.
The research followed 475 children aged between 2 and 12, including 322 children with autism and 153 with typical development. Families participated in detailed, physician-led interviews at multiple intervals, enabling researchers to track both the frequency and persistence of GI symptoms throughout childhood.
The findings reveal that children with autism not only reported more GI problems but also experienced multiple symptoms simultaneously. These symptoms often persisted over many years, frequently without an identifiable medical cause. This underscores the necessity for clinicians and families to be vigilant about the overall health and well-being of these children.
Understanding the Connection Between Autism and GI Symptoms
“The connection between autism and gut symptoms has not been fully understood. Parents often sense that their child is having digestive issues, but can’t tell what is causing them,” said Bibiana Restrepo, the lead author of the study and a developmental pediatrician at UC Davis. “Our research shows that these symptoms are common, persistent, and can affect many areas of a child’s daily life. By identifying and treating them, we may be able to improve both physical comfort and developmental outcomes.”
Stomach Problems Beyond Digestion
The study evaluated nine common gastrointestinal symptoms, including constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. While occasional digestive issues are common in all children, the study revealed stark differences between the two groups.
- Children with autism had more GI symptoms at every age studied.
- They were more likely to experience multiple GI symptoms simultaneously.
- Their GI symptoms were more likely to persist across childhood, rather than resolve quickly.
These symptoms were strongly linked with other health and behavioral challenges. Children with more frequent GI issues also showed higher rates of sleep difficulties, anxiety, irritability, communication challenges, sensory sensitivities, and repetitive behaviors.
“This is a reminder that the brain and the body are deeply connected,” said Christine Wu Nordahl, the study’s senior author and a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences. “When children are experiencing stomach pain or other GI problems, it doesn’t just affect digestion. It can influence sleep, mood, and how they interact with the world around them.”
Addressing Common Gut Issues in Autism
Although gastrointestinal problems in autism have been reported previously, this study is the first to analyze GI symptoms in autistic children from early to middle childhood. It is also one of the largest and most comprehensive studies to track these symptoms over a decade of childhood development.
The researchers emphasize that many GI symptoms are treatable, even when they lack an obvious medical diagnosis. Increased awareness among clinicians, educators, and families can help ensure children receive the necessary care.
“For parents, this study validates what many have long observed: that GI symptoms are very common in children with autism,” Restrepo said. “Clinicians should ask about these issues in routine visits, because effective treatment may help children feel better and thrive.”
The team hopes their findings will lead to greater collaboration between pediatricians, gastroenterologists, and autism specialists. By addressing GI health as part of comprehensive autism care, children may gain relief from symptoms that interfere with their growth and development.
“This is not about finding a single cause,” Nordahl added. “It’s about recognizing the whole child. Supporting gastrointestinal health is one important step toward improving overall quality of life for children with autism.”
This study was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and the UC Davis MIND Institute, with additional support from the MIND Institute Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center.
