GASTROINTESTINAL PROBLEMS IN AUTISM

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a genetically determined neurodevelopmental brain disorder presenting with restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviours, interests, and activities, or persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction. ASD is characterized by many different clinical endophenotypes and is potentially linked with certain comorbidities. According to current recommendations, children with ASD are at risk of having alimentary tract disorders – mainly, and they are at a greater risk of general gastrointestinal (GI) concerns, constipation, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. GI symptoms may overlap with ASD core symptoms through different mechanisms.