Features of Gastrointestinal Malformations in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Literature Review

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are common neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by heterogeneity and high variability in severity of mental, neurological, and somatic symptoms. Such gastrointestinal malformations as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, gastroesophageal reflux, nutritional disorders, intestinal microbiota disorders are common in autistic children. The association between the severity of gastrointestinal malformations and the severity of behavioral symptoms in ASDs was revealed. Early diagnosis and assessment of gastrointestinal malformations in ASDs is crucial for their further correction to optimize nutrition, to develop individual complex treatment and management with the involvement of multidisciplinary specialists.

Keywords

• autism spectrum disorders
• children
• gastrointestinal malformations
• intestinal microbiota
• nutritional disorders