Gut Bacteria Connected To Autism Spectrum Disorder: Study

Children with autism tend to have more gastrointestinal problems early in life compared to other children, a new study finds.

For kids with autism, gastrointestinal troubles are more common and more persistent in the first three years of life than they are for peers who are developing normally or even for peers with developmental delays.

"Even though GI symptoms are common in early childhood, physicians should be mindful that children with ASD may be experiencing more GI difficulties in the first three years of life than [typically developing] children," wrote a team led by researcher Michaeline Bresnahan of Columbia University in New York City.

"Furthermore, the GI symptoms may be more persistent in children with ASD," the researchers wrote.

However, "under-recognition and undertreatment" of these gastrointestinal issues is possible, they add, and treatment "may significantly contribute to the well-being of children with ASD and may be useful in reducing difficult behaviors."

Children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were more likely to have one or more GI symptoms in both age ranges, and more than twice as likely to have at least one GI symptom in both age ranges, compared to those with developmental delay or with typical development, the researchers said.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD), affect one in 68 children, and the prevalence of diagnoses are growing, according to Autism Speaks.

The study was published online March 25 in the journal JAMA Psychiatry.