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Recommendations for evaluation and treatment of common gastrointestinal problems in children with ASDs

Timothy Buie1, George J Fuchs, Glenn T Furuta

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA. tbuie@partners.org

Pediatrics
|January 6, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric guidelines for diagnosing gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain and constipation are beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Healthcare providers can adapt these for evaluating ASDs patients with GI symptoms, considering behavioral changes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Clinical Practice Guidelines

Background:

  • Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) frequently experience gastrointestinal (GI) disorders.
  • GI symptoms in children with ASDs can manifest as behavioral changes, complicating diagnosis.
  • Existing pediatric guidelines offer a framework for evaluating common GI issues.

Framework:

  • Adaptation of general pediatric guidelines for abdominal pain, chronic constipation, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is recommended.
  • These adapted guidelines aid in distinguishing self-limited GI symptoms from those requiring further investigation.
  • Focus on thorough medical history and physical examination as initial steps.

Implementation:

  • Healthcare providers should consider behavioral manifestations as potential indicators of underlying GI disorders in children with ASDs.
  • Utilize established diagnostic approaches for common pediatric GI conditions.
  • Document the evaluation process and patient responses carefully.

Implications:

  • Current general pediatric guidelines provide a valuable, evidence-informed approach for managing GI symptoms in children with ASDs.
  • This strategy supports timely and appropriate care pending the development of ASDs-specific GI guidelines.
  • Improved diagnostic accuracy and management of GI disorders can enhance the quality of life for children with ASDs.

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