Comorbid Feeding and Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Challenging Behavior, Sensory Issues, Adaptive Functioning and Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Aim: Children and adolescents diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often demonstrate difficulties with feeding. The goal of the current study was to investigate co-occurring issues that often accompany feeding problems in 120 children and adolescents with ASD.Method: This study investigated the relationship between feeding problems and gastrointestinal symptoms, challenging behavior and sensory issues, quality of life, adaptive functioning and use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Results: High rates of feeding problems, gastrointestinal symptoms, challenging behavior and sensory issues were endorsed by caregivers. Considerable differences were observed in the levels of gastrointestinal symptoms, challenging behavior, sensory issues, quality of life and CAM practices. Conclusion:The results of this study extend the present literature by highlighting comorbid conditions related to feeding problems and how feeding problems impact quality of life and adaptive behavior.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

“…Studies vary regarding the proportion of children with ASD in samples reported to experience at least one GIS. The prevalence of GIS in autistic samples has been reported to be 30–37.4% [ 30 , 59 ] and 82.4% in the previous three months [ 41 ]. Whereas Khalil et al [ 40 ] reported that all their autistic sample ( n = 58) had at least one GIS.…”

“…The evidence regarding the prevalence of GIS affecting the upper GI tract reveals that reflux was found in 5.5% of participants [ 46 ], but in half of a sample of children with ASD ( n = 18) who had experienced reflux, this symptom had resolved in children aged 25–98 months [ 8 ]. Nausea was reported in 23.2% [ 14 ] and 27.9% [ 41 ] of the samples. Whereas vomiting was reported in between 4.2% and 11.4% of the samples [ 46 , 50 ].…”

“…Symptoms affecting the lower GI tract include constipation, diarrhea, and pain on stooling. Constipation occurred in 22.1–24.1% of children with ASD in some samples [ 46 , 48 ] and 47.1–65% in other samples [ 14 , 24 , 41 , 50 ]. Pain on stooling affected between 7.4% and 29.5% of two samples of children with ASD [ 48 , 50 ].…”

“…Pain on stooling affected between 7.4% and 29.5% of two samples of children with ASD [ 48 , 50 ]. The prevalence of diarrhea symptoms ranged between 10.6% and 29.7% [ 14 , 40 , 46 ] and 40.4–64.7% [ 41 , 50 ]. Khalil et al [ 40 ] also noted that 86.2% of their sample experienced offensive stools.…”

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms Impair Adaptive and Social Function in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…Adaptive behavior refers to the ability to perform the daily activities required for individual and social sufficiency ( 15 ), and is measured by the extent to which an individual can independently demonstrate developmentally appropriate practical skills, conceptual skills, and social skills ( 16 ). A cross-sectional study demonstrated that children and adolescents with ASD showed lower levels of overall adaptive functioning, as scored by the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS) ( 17 ). Individuals with ADHD also exhibit reduced adaptive functioning relative to their intelligence quotients (IQ)–matched typically developing (TD) group ( 18 ).…”