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World J Clin Pediatr. Sep 9, 2023; 12(4): 171-196
Published online Sep 9, 2023. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v12.i4.171
Role of gastrointestinal health in managing children with autism spectrum disorder
Mohammed Al-Beltagi, Nermin Kamal Saeed, Adel Salah Bediwy, Reem Elbeltagi, Rawan Alhawamdeh
Mohammed Al-Beltagi, Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Algharbia, Tanta ‎31511‎, Egypt
Mohammed Al-Beltagi, Pediatrics, Univeristy Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib ‎Medical Group‎, Manama, Manama ‎26671‎, Bahrain
Nermin Kamal Saeed, Medical Microbiology Section, Pathology Department‎, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Ministry of Health‎, Manama, Manama 12, Bahrain
Nermin Kamal Saeed, Medical Microbiology Section, Pathology Department‎, Irish Royal College of Surgeon, Bahrain, Muharraq, Busaiteen ‎15503‎, Bahrain
Adel Salah Bediwy, Pulmonology Department‎, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University‎, Algharbia, Tanta ‎31527‎, Egypt
Adel Salah Bediwy, Pulmonology Department‎, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, ‎Arabian Gulf University, Dr. ‎Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group‎, Manama, Manama ‎26671‎, Bahrain
Reem Elbeltagi, Medicine, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Bahrain‎, Muharraq, Busiateen 15503, Bahrain
Rawan Alhawamdeh, Pediatrics Research, and Development Department‎, Genomics Creativity and Play Center, Manama, Manama 0000, Bahrain
Rawan Alhawamdeh, Pediatrics Research, and Development Department, SENSORYME Dubai 999041, United Arab Emirates
Author contributions: Al-Biltagi M developed the idea and wrote the manuscript; Saeed NK wrote the microbiological parts of the manuscript; Elbeltagi R wrote the dietary part of the manuscript; Bediwy AS collected the scientific articles; Alhawamdeh R revised the psychological aspects of the manuscript; All the authors revised the manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: Authors declare no conflict of interests for this article.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Mohammed Al-Beltagi, MBChB, MD, MSc, PhD, Academic Editor, Chairman, Consultant Physician-Scientist, Professor, Researcher, Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Al Bahr Street, Algharbia, Tanta ‎31511‎, Egypt. mbelrem@hotmail.com
Received: July 10, 2023
Peer-review started: July 10, 2023
First decision: August 8, 2023
Revised: August 8, 2023
Accepted: August 17, 2023
Article in press: August 17, 2023
Published online: September 9, 2023
Processing time: 57 Days and 18.4 Hours
Abstract

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or autism are more prone to gastrointestinal (GI) disorders than the general population. These disorders can significantly affect their health, learning, and development due to various factors such as genetics, environment, and behavior. The causes of GI disorders in children with ASD can include gut dysbiosis, immune dysfunction, food sensitivities, digestive enzyme deficiencies, and sensory processing differences. Many studies suggest that numerous children with ASD experience GI problems, and effective management is crucial. Diagnosing autism is typically done through genetic, neurological, functional, and behavioral assessments and observations, while GI tests are not consistently reliable. Some GI tests may increase the risk of developing ASD or exacerbating symptoms. Addressing GI issues in individuals with ASD can improve their overall well-being, leading to better behavior, cognitive function, and educational abilities. Proper management can improve digestion, nutrient absorption, and appetite by relieving physical discomfort and pain. Alleviating GI symptoms can improve sleep patterns, increase energy levels, and contribute to a general sense of well-being, ultimately leading to a better quality of life for the individual and improved family dynamics. The primary goal of GI interventions is to improve nutritional status, reduce symptom severity, promote a balanced mood, and increase patient independence.

Keywords: Gastrointestinal disorders; Autism spectrum disorders, Children; Gut microbiota; Ketogenic diet; Gluten-free casein-free diet, Dietary management

Core Tip: Children with autism spectrum disorder often experience gastrointestinal (GI) disorders that can significantly impact their health, learning, and development. Various factors, including genetics, environment, and behavior, can cause these disorders. Common causes include gut dysbiosis, immune dysfunction, food sensitivity, digestive enzyme deficiencies, and sensory processing differences. Proper management can improve well-being, cognitive function, behavior, and educational abilities. GI interventions enhance nutrition, reduce symptoms, promote balanced moods, and increase independence.