Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 3, 2025

Video Imaging and Spatiotemporal Maps to Analyze Gastrointestinal Motility in Mice
07:41

Video Imaging and Spatiotemporal Maps to Analyze Gastrointestinal Motility in Mice

Published on: February 3, 2016

14.4K

Gastrointestinal symptoms and sensory abnormalities associated with behavioral problems in children with

Shunya Kurokawa1, Kensuke Nomura2, Katsuma Miyaho3

  • 1Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan.

Autism Research : Official Journal of the International Society for Autism Research
|June 2, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Behavioral problems in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are linked to gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and sensory abnormalities. Addressing these may improve quality of life for affected children and their families.

Area of Science:

  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Pediatric Behavioral Health
  • Clinical Psychology

Background:

  • Behavioral problems significantly impact the quality of life for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • Previous research has explored associations between behavioral issues and factors like gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, sensory abnormalities, and medication use, but not comprehensively.
  • Understanding these relationships is crucial for developing effective interventions and support strategies for affected children and their families.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively investigate the relationships between various clinical factors and behavioral problem severity in children diagnosed with ASD and/or ADHD.
  • To identify specific factors that are independently associated with behavioral problems in this pediatric population.
  • To provide evidence-based insights for improving the quality of life for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted with 60 children (ages 6-12) diagnosed with ASD and/or ADHD at two Japanese hospitals.
  • Data collected included scores from the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Conners 3, Short Sensory Profile (SSP), and information on GI symptoms, sleep, and exercise.
  • Correlation and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine the association between various factors and ABC severity.

Main Results:

  • Correlation analyses revealed six factors associated with ABC severity: methylphenidate use, Conners hyperactivity and inattention scores, AQ score, SSP score, and GI symptom score.
  • Multiple regression analysis identified 'GI symptoms' and 'sensory abnormalities' as independent predictors of ABC severity.
  • These findings suggest that GI issues and sensory processing differences play a significant role in behavioral challenges.

Conclusions:

  • Gastrointestinal symptoms and sensory abnormalities are independently associated with the severity of behavioral problems in children with ASD and/or ADHD.
  • While causality requires further investigation, assessing and managing GI symptoms and sensory abnormalities may be key to alleviating problematic behaviors.
  • Clinicians and caregivers should pay closer attention to these often-overlooked factors to enhance the well-being of children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Keywords:
Autism spectrum disordersattention-deficit/hyperactivity disorderbehavioral problemsgastrointestinal symptomssensory abnormalities

More Related Videos

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder09:13

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Published on: April 22, 2015

16.7K
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

86.8K

Related Concept Videos

Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
508
Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders01:20

Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders

Gastrointestinal or GI motility disorders are characterized by irregular gastrointestinal tract movements, disrupting food transit from the mouth to the anus. They are caused by damage or dysfunction in gut muscles or nerves. These disorders can cause symptoms such as severe constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and swallowing difficulties. Disorders can affect any segment of the GI tract and range widely in severity, from common conditions like GERD to life-threatening conditions like...
740
Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction01:17

Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by functional disturbances in the gastrointestinal system, presenting a cluster of symptoms without evident structural or biochemical abnormalities. It primarily affects the large intestine and may cause abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, or both.
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
589
Other Disorders of Digestive System01:30

Other Disorders of Digestive System

The gastrointestinal tract is susceptible to various disorders. If the lower esophageal sphincter is damaged, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation of the lining. This condition is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (known as heartburn) and may cause chest pain and difficulty swallowing. In the stomach, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, chronic alcohol consumption, bacterial infections such as Helicobacter...
1.2K
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern01:29

Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern

Assessing the gastrointestinal (GI) system is a complex process that begins with collecting subjective data. This data, collected through patient interviews, provides crucial insights into the patient's health history, perception patterns, and lifestyle habits, all contributing significantly to GI health.
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
244
Taste Buds and Receptors01:20

Taste Buds and Receptors

Gustation, or the sense of taste, is intrinsically linked to the anatomical structures located on the tongue. This organ's surface, along with the entirety of the oral cavity, is adorned with stratified squamous epithelium. Evident on the tongue are elevated structures known as papillae (singular = papilla), which house the mechanisms for the transduction of gustatory stimuli. Four distinct types of papillae exist, each identified by their unique morphological attributes: the circumvallate,...
3.3K