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Gastrointestinal issues in autism spectrum disorder

Elaine Y Hsiao1

  • 1From the Divisions of Biology and of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology.

Harvard Review of Psychiatry
|March 12, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Gastrointestinal issues are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and may worsen core symptoms. Emerging evidence suggests a gut-brain connection influencing ASD development and severity.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Gastroenterology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents with core deficits in communication and social interaction, alongside stereotypic behaviors.
  • Medical comorbidities are frequent in individuals with ASD, with gastrointestinal (GI) abnormalities being particularly prevalent.
  • GI issues in ASD often correlate with the severity of behavioral abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review gastrointestinal pathologies in ASD.
  • To explore the links between GI conditions, genetic/environmental autism risk factors, and ASD endophenotypes.
  • To examine the role of the gut-brain axis in ASD pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on GI pathologies in ASD.
  • Analysis of associations between GI conditions and autism risk factors.
  • Examination of the impact of GI abnormalities on ASD neuropathology and behavior.

Main Results:

  • GI abnormalities are frequently observed in individuals with ASD.
  • Specific GI conditions are linked to known genetic and environmental risk factors for autism.
  • GI dysfunction may influence neuropathological and behavioral features of ASD, including immune dysregulation, hyperserotonemia, and metabolic dysfunction.

Conclusions:

  • GI abnormalities are a significant comorbidity in ASD.
  • A gut-brain connection is implicated in the pathogenesis and severity of ASD symptoms.
  • Further research into GI dysfunction in ASD is warranted.

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