CORRELATION BETWEEN CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF GUT DYSBIOSIS AND BEHAVIORAL CHANGES IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Maria Fernanda Oribe D.'Andrea, Isabella de Assis Barreto, Clovis Massato Kuwahara

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition frequently associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, which may influence behavior and quality of life. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the presence and association between gastrointestinal symptoms and behavioral manifestations in children with ASD. Methodology: This is an observational, descriptive, and quantitative study based on the analysis of questionnaires applied to the caregivers of 21 children under gastroenterological follow-up. Results: The results showed a high frequency of constipation (52.4%), abdominal distension (42.9%), and bloating (57.1%). A significant correlation was observed between abdominal pain and the act of pointing to the abdomen (r = 0.580; p = 0.006), and between nausea/vomiting and irritability (r = 0.555; p = 0.009), suggesting that physical discomfort may be expressed through nonverbal behaviors. There was also an association between age and irritability (r = 0.510; p = 0.018), indicating that neurological maturity influences how symptoms are expressed. Conclusion: Gastrointestinal manifestations are frequent in children with ASD and are related to behavioral alterations, reinforcing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and the systematic clinical investigation of these symptoms.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Gastrointestinal symptoms; Behavior; Gut microbiota; Gut-brain axis.