Association of Rigid-Compulsive Behavior with Functional Constipation in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition.
• Functional constipation (FC) is a common gastrointestinal issue in children.
• Rigid-compulsive behaviors are frequently observed in children with ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between functional constipation (FC) and rigid-compulsive behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• To explore the influence of behavioral medications on this association.

Main Methods:

• Utilized checklist data from the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network.
• Assessed FC symptoms in 108 children with ASD using the Questionnaire on Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms-Rome III.
• Evaluated rigid-compulsive behavior using the Repetitive Behavior Scales-Revised (RBS-R).

Main Results:

• A significant association was found between FC and compulsive, ritualistic, and sameness subscales of the RBS-R in the overall ASD population.
• FC was less prevalent in children not taking medications targeting behavior or FC.
• In medication-free children with ASD, rigid-compulsive behavior was not significantly linked to FC.

Conclusions:

• Functional constipation is associated with rigid-compulsive behaviors in children with ASD.
• Medication use may influence the observed association between FC and rigid-compulsive behavior.
• Further research is required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.