Gastrointestinal symptoms and sensory abnormalities associated with behavioral problems in children with neurodevelopmental disorders

Abstract

Behavioral problems directly affect the quality of life of caregivers and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and is known to be associated with clinical factors such as gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, sensory abnormalities, intellectual abilities, and use of medication. However, previous studies have not considered these relationships comprehensively. We conducted a cross‐sectional study of 6–12‐year‐old children with diagnoses of ASD and/or ADHD at two hospitals in Japan. Scores for the aberrant behavior checklist (ABC), autism‐spectrum quotient (AQ), and Conners 3, as well as information on daily sleep and exercise, GI symptoms, and Short Sensory Profile, were collected. Each factor was subjected to a correlation analysis to investigate its effect on ABC scores. A stepwise multiple linear regression analysis for the factors with p < 0.05 was performed. Data were obtained from 60 patients with a mean age of 8.3 years; 21 had ASD alone, 18 had ADHD alone, and 21 had ASD + ADHD. The correlation analyses identified six factors associated with ABC severity: (a) methylphenidate use, (b) Conners hyperactivity score, (c) Conners inattention score, (d) AQ score, (e) SSP score, and (f) GI symptom score. The multiple regression showed that “GI symptoms” and “sensory abnormalities” were independently associated with ABC severity. Although further studies are needed to show a causal relationship, appropriate assessment of GI symptoms and sensory abnormalities may help alleviate some problematic behaviors and improve the quality of life of children with neurodevelopmental disorders and their families. Lay summary Behavioral problems in children with neurodevelopmental disorders are known to be associated with many factors. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the known factors. We have discovered that “gastrointestinal symptoms” and “sensory abnormalities” were independently associated with Behavioral problems. Our results suggest that it is important for clinicians and caregivers to pay more attention to children's GI symptoms and sensory abnormalities that may not present as obvious symptoms or complaints.

Role of the DUB enzyme USP7 in dendritic arborization, neuronal migration, and autistic-like behaviors in mice

“…Data analysis showed that both the control mice and the USP7 mice spent more time interacting with the novel object, and no difference was detected in the discrimination index between the two groups ( Figure 10 N) (Ctrl (n = 8) vs. USP7 (n = 13), p > 0.05, t -test), indicating intact recognition capabilities in mice with USP7 overexpression. In addition, in ASD patients and model animals, alterations were often found in the peripheral somatosensory functions ( Sukoff Rizzo and Crawley, 2017 ; Kurokawa et al., 2021 ). We performed the hot plate assay to evaluate thermal sensitivity in virus-injected mice by measuring the latency of hindpaw withdrawal ( Figure 10 O).…”

Content Analysis of Abstracts Published in Autism Journals in 2021: The year in Review

“…The quality of life of caregivers of autistic persons is dependent on behavioral problems in persons with autism. A study by Kurokawa et al, ( 2021 ), indicated a relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms and behavioral problems. Thus, the appropriate assessment and treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms might lead to decreased problematic behavior and improved quality of life.…”

Psychiatric diagnostic dilemmas among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

“…There was a high rate of medical problems reported for the patients reviewed, including conditions known to provoke behavioural manifestations of distress in people with IDD (Charlot et al ., 2011; Hunter et al ., 2008). Gastrointestinal (GI) problems are common and appear to be associated with behavioural challenges in individuals with IDD (Buie et al ., 2010; Chaidez et al ., 2014; Kurokawa et al ., 2021). For example, constipation and GERD were reported at high rates in the current study (70 and 52% respectively).…”