Abstract
Recent reports suggest certain behaviors among children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may indicate underlying gastro-intestinal
(GI) problems, and that the presence of these behaviors may help alert primary care providers to the need to evaluate a child
with ASD for GI problems. The purpose of this population-based study of 487 children with ASD, including 35 (7.2%) with a
medically documented history of GI problems, was to compare behavioral features of children with and without a history of
GI problems. Unusual sleeping or eating habits and oppositional behavior were significantly associated with GI problems. These
behaviors, however, were frequent in both children with and without GI problems, suggesting they may have limited utility
in a screening capacity for GI problems.
(GI) problems, and that the presence of these behaviors may help alert primary care providers to the need to evaluate a child
with ASD for GI problems. The purpose of this population-based study of 487 children with ASD, including 35 (7.2%) with a
medically documented history of GI problems, was to compare behavioral features of children with and without a history of
GI problems. Unusual sleeping or eating habits and oppositional behavior were significantly associated with GI problems. These
behaviors, however, were frequent in both children with and without GI problems, suggesting they may have limited utility
in a screening capacity for GI problems.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Brief Report
- Pages 1-6
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-011-1379-6
- Authors
- Matthew J. Maenner, Waisman Center and Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Carrie L. Arneson, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Susan E. Levy, Children’s Hosptial of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Russell S. Kirby, Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
- Joyce S. Nicholas, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Maureen S. Durkin, Waisman Center and Departments of Pediatrics and Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257