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Are gastrointestinal and sleep problems associated with behavioral symptoms of autism spectrum disorder?

Xiao-Lei Yang1, Shuang Liang1, Ming-Yang Zou1

  • 1Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China.

Psychiatry Research
|November 2, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Gastrointestinal and sleep problems are common in Chinese children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These issues correlate with more severe autistic behaviors and may indicate distinct ASD subtypes needing targeted interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Pediatric Health
  • Gastroenterology & Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently co-occurs with medical conditions like gastrointestinal (GI) and sleep problems.
  • Limited research exists on the relationship between these comorbidities and the behavioral symptoms of ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of GI and sleep issues in Chinese children with ASD.
  • To analyze the impact of GI and sleep problems on autistic behaviors.
  • To identify factors associated with GI and sleep disturbances in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A survey was conducted involving 169 children with ASD and 172 healthy controls.
  • Data collected via questionnaires included demographics, GI symptoms, sleep disturbances, and behavioral symptoms.

Main Results:

  • GI and sleep problems are highly prevalent in Chinese children with ASD.
  • Children with ASD and GI symptoms exhibited more severe core autistic behaviors.
  • GI symptoms were linked to maternal sleep issues during pregnancy, infant feeding, and picky eating.
  • Sleep disturbances in ASD children correlated with lower performance in daily living skills, social cognition, social communication, and intellectual development.
  • Sleep issues were associated with nutrient supplementation and picky eating.

Conclusions:

  • GI and sleep problems are significant comorbidities in Chinese ASD children.
  • These comorbidities are associated with specific behavioral and developmental outcomes.
  • Autistic children experiencing GI or sleep problems may represent clinically relevant subtypes requiring tailored treatments.

Keywords:
Autism spectrum disorderBehaviorGastrointestinal symptomsSleep disturbances

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