Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 17, 2025
Video Imaging and Spatiotemporal Maps to Analyze Gastrointestinal Motility in Mice
Published on: February 3, 2016
Gastrointestinal disease in children with autism spectrum disorders: Etiology or consequence?
Arthur Krigsman1, Stephen J Walker2
1Pediatric Gastroenterology Resources of New York and Texas, Georgetown, TX 78628, United States.
Insights
Chronic gastrointestinal issues in children with autism spectrum disorder may impact neurodevelopment. Untreated GI disorders might directly affect brain development, suggesting a causal link from gut health to neurological outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently co-occurs with chronic gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.
- These GI issues often emerge early in development and can be challenging to diagnose in non-verbal children.
- The gut-brain axis facilitates bidirectional communication between gut health and the central nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between untreated GI disorders and neurodevelopment in children with ASD.
- To determine if GI issues can directly impact neurodevelopment or if ASD predisposes to GI problems.
Main Methods:
- This mini-review synthesizes existing evidence on the gut-brain axis, GI disorders, and neurodevelopment in ASD.
- Analysis of data focusing on the directionality of influence between GI health and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Main Results:
- The evidence suggests a stronger link where untreated GI disorders may directly influence neurodevelopment.
- Gut dysbiosis and immune dysregulation are implicated in the gut-brain axis communication.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the hypothesis that gastrointestinal disorders can directly impact neurodevelopment in children with ASD.
- Addressing early GI symptoms may be crucial for supporting optimal neurodevelopmental trajectories in this population.
Abstract:
Chronic gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and disorders are common in children with autism spectrum disorder and have been shown to be significantly correlated with the degree of behavioral and cognitive impairment. In this unique population, GI symptoms often arise very early in development, during infancy or toddlerhood, and may be misdiagnosed - or not diagnosed at all - due in part to the challenges associated with recognition of symptoms in a minimally or non-communicative child. Evidence demonstrating that the gut-brain-axis can communicate gut dysbiosis and systemic immune dysregulation in a bidirectional manner raises the question as to whether an untreated gastrointestinal disorder can directly impact neurodevelopment or, conversely, whether having a neurodevelopmental disorder predisposes a child to chronic GI issues. From the data presented in this mini review, we conclude that the preponderance of available evidence would suggest the former scenario is more strongly supported.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
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.
01:30Other Disorders of Digestive System
01:17Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
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...
01:20Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
01:17Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....