Psychophysiological associations with gastrointestinal symptomatology in autism spectrum disorder
Open accessAbstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often accompanied by gastrointestinal disturbances, which also may impact behavior. Alterations in autonomic nervous system functioning are also frequently observed in ASD. The relationship between these findings in ASD is not known. We examined the relationship between gastrointestinal symptomatology, examining upper and lower gastrointestinal tract symptomatology separately, and autonomic nervous system functioning, as assessed by heart rate variability and skin conductance level, in a sample of 120 individuals with ASD. Relationships with co-occurring medical and psychiatric symptoms were also examined. While the number of participants with significant upper gastrointestinal tract problems was small in this sample, 42.5% of participants met criteria for functional constipation, a disorder of the lower gastrointestinal tract. Heart rate variability, a measure of parasympathetic modulation of cardiac activity, was found to be positively associated with lower gastrointestinal tract symptomatology at baseline. This relationship was particularly strong for participants with co-occurring diagnoses of anxiety disorder and for those with a history of regressive ASD or loss of previously acquired skills. These findings suggest that autonomic function and gastrointestinal problems are intertwined in children with ASD; although it is not possible to assess causality in this data set. Future work should examine the impact of treatment of gastrointestinal problems on autonomic function and anxiety, as well as the impact of anxiety treatment on gastrointestinal problems. Clinicians should be aware that gastrointestinal problems, anxiety, and autonomic dysfunction may cluster in children with ASD and should be addressed in a multidisciplinary treatment plan. Autism Res 2017, 10: 276-288. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.
Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Claims the paper makes
The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.
Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
Ferguson et al. found a significant correlation between lower gastrointestinal tract symptoms, such as constipation, and lower parasympathetic tone in children with autism.
“Ferguson et al. (76) investigated the relationship between autonomic nervous system activity and gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism, finding a significant correlation between lower gastrointestinal tract symptoms, such as constipation, and lower parasympathetic tone.”
From Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children Is Not Associated With Abnormal Autonomic Nervous System Function: Hypothesis and Theory (2022) · cites this paper as [76]
The Results section (page unavailable) reports a significant correlation, but in the opposite direction at rest: worse lower-GI symptoms were associated with greater baseline parasympathetic tone, not lower tone. It also reports a smaller change in the parasympathetic marker during cold-pressor stimulation; that does not establish lower tone overall. (LLM, conf=0.90)
Checked by a reasoning model — may be wrong.
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredA subgroup of ASD children may have a low RSA due to gastrointestinal symptoms.
“Hence, a subgroup of ASD children may have a low RSA due to gastrointestinal symptoms.”
From Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children Is Not Associated With Abnormal Autonomic Nervous System Function: Hypothesis and Theory (2022) · cites this paper as [76]
The Results (page unavailable) report that worse lower-GI symptoms were associated with greater parasympathetic tone at baseline—the opposite of the claimed low RSA. The Abstract also says the study cannot assess causality, so it does not establish that GI symptoms cause an autonomic change. (LLM, conf=0.87)
Checked by a reasoning model — may be wrong.
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredParasympathetic activity at baseline was particularly strongly related to lower gastrointestinal symptoms in participants who reported a co-occurring anxiety disorder.
“Parasympathetic activity at baseline was particularly strongly related to lower gastrointestinal symptoms in participants who reported a co-occurring anxiety disorder.”
From Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children Is Not Associated With Abnormal Autonomic Nervous System Function: Hypothesis and Theory (2022) · cites this paper as [76]
The Discussion reports that baseline pNN50, a marker of parasympathetic activity, was strongly related to lower GI tract scores only among participants whose caretakers reported an anxiety disorder. The claim matches the association but incorrectly says the participants reported the disorder themselves. (LLM, conf=0.88)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredMany individuals with ASD suffer from constipation.
“However, it appears that many individuals with ASD suffer from constipation (2, 3, 11, 12).”
From The Relationship Among Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Problem Behaviors, and Internalizing Symptoms in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (2019) · cites this paper as [11]
Heightened stress and anxiety, rigid-compulsive behavior, and sleep problems have been shown to be associated with GI symptoms in ASD, especially constipation.
“Heightened stress and anxiety, rigid-compulsive behavior, and sleep problems, have been shown to be associated with GI symptoms in ASD, especially constipation (6, 11, 12, 16–19).”
From The Relationship Among Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Problem Behaviors, and Internalizing Symptoms in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (2019) · cites this paper as [11]
Lower heart rate variability is associated with greater GI problems, especially in ASD patients with regression.
“For example, lower heart rate variability (a measure of parasympathetic activity on the heart) was associated with greater GI problems, especially in ASD patients with regression 29”
From Gastrointestinal Issues and Autism Spectrum Disorder (2020) · cites this paper as [29]
Both upper and lower GI tract problems have been associated with ASD.
“Both upper and lower GI tract problems have been associated with ASD 29.”
From Gastrointestinal Issues and Autism Spectrum Disorder (2020) · cites this paper as [29]
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
The self-check needs the paper’s full text.
Cites
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
American Psychiatric Association (2013) · doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596 · Cited by 116,369 · see citing works
Heart Rate Variability: Standards of Measurement, Physiological Interpretation, and Clinical Use
Electrophysiology, T. F. O. T. E. S. O. C. T. N. A. (1996) · Circulation · doi:10.1161/01.cir.93.5.1043 · Cited by 17,159 · see citing works
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR)
American Psychiatric Association (2000) · doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890423349 · Cited by 11,069 · see citing works
Kubios HRV–heart rate variability analysis software.
Tarvainen, M. P., Niskanen, J.-P., Lipponen, J. A., Ranta-aho, P. O., & Karjalainen, P. A. (2014) · Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine · doi:10.1016/j.cmpb.2013.07.024 · Cited by 2,720 · see citing works
Owens, J. A., Spirito, A., & McGuinn, M. (2000) · Sleep · doi:10.1093/sleep/23.8.1d · Cited by 2,535 · see citing works
Boucsein, W. (2012) · doi:10.1007/978-1-4614-1126-0 · Cited by 2,526 · see citing works
Lord, C., Rutter, M., Goode, S., Heemsbergen, J., Jordan, H., Mawhood, L., & Schopler, E. (1989) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/bf02211841 · Cited by 2,030 · see citing works
Gut feelings: the emerging biology of gut-brain communication
Mayer, E. A. (2011) · Nature Reviews Neuroscience · doi:10.1038/nrn3071 · Cited by 1,726 · see citing works
Brosschot, J. F., Gerin, W., & Thayer, J. F. (2006) · Journal of Psychosomatic Research · doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2005.06.074 · Cited by 1,643 · see citing works
The interplay between the intestinal microbiota and the brain
Collins, S. M., Surette, M., & Bercik, P. (2012) · Nature Reviews Microbiology · doi:10.1038/nrmicro2876 · Cited by 1,611 · see citing works
Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents with Autistic Spectrum Disorders: A Meta-Analysis
van Steensel, F. J. A., Bögels, S. M., & Perrin, S. (2011) · Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review · doi:10.1007/s10567-011-0097-0 · Cited by 1,463 · see citing works
(1985) · PubMed · Cited by 1,427 · see citing works
Heart rate variability: measurement and clinical utility.
Kleiger, R. E., Stein, P. K., & Bigger, J. T. (2005) · Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology · doi:10.1111/j.1542-474x.2005.10101.x · Cited by 1,290 · see citing works
Buie, T., Campbell, D. B., Fuchs, G. J., Furuta, G. T., Levy, J., VandeWater, J., Whitaker, A. H., Atkins, D., Bauman, M. L., Beaudet, A. L., et al. (2010) · Pediatrics · doi:10.1542/peds.2009-1878c · Cited by 872 · see citing works
Self-citationAutonomic characteristics of generalized anxiety disorder and worry
Thayer, J. F., Friedman, B. H., & Borkovec, T. D. (1996) · Biological Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/0006-3223(95)00136-0 · Cited by 857 · see citing works
Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-analysis
McElhanon, B. O., McCracken, C., Karpen, S., & Sharp, W. G. (2014) · Pediatrics · doi:10.1542/peds.2013-3995 · Cited by 831 · cited 2× · see citing works
“Given the high frequency of constipation in ASD [McElhanon et al., 2014, Buie et al., 2010], parasympathetic alterations in ASD [Kushki et al., 2013; Neuhaus et al., 2014], and the finding of decreased parasympathetic functioning in those with IBS without ASD, we predicted that decreased…”
BackgroundResultGastrointestinal Problems in Children with Autism, Developmental Delays or Typical Development
Chaidez, V., Hansen, R. L., & Hertz-Picciotto, I. (2014) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s10803-013-1973-x · Cited by 528 · see citing works
Mazurek, M. O., Vasa, R. A., Kalb, L. G., Kanne, S. M., Rosenberg, D., Keefer, A., Murray, D. S., Freedman, B., & Lowery, L. A. (2013) · Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology · doi:10.1007/s10802-012-9668-x · Cited by 419 · see citing works
Self-citationComorbidity clusters in autism spectrum disorders: an electronic health record time-series analysis
Doshi-Velez, F., Ge, Y., & Kohane, I. (2014) · Pediatrics · doi:10.1542/peds.2013-0819 · Cited by 412 · see citing works
Medical Comorbidities in Autism: Challenges to Diagnosis and Treatment
Bauman, M. L. (2010) · Neurotherapeutics · doi:10.1016/j.nurt.2010.06.001 · Cited by 372 · see citing works
Self-citationComponents of heart rate variability measured during healing of acute myocardial infarction
Bigger, J. T., Kleiger, R. E., Fleiss, J. L., Rolnitzky, L. M., Steinman, R. C., & Miller, J. P. (1988) · The American Journal of Cardiology · doi:10.1016/0002-9149(88)90917-4 · Cited by 365 · see citing works
Cardiac vagal efferent activity and heart period in the carotid sinus reflex
Katona, P. G., Poitras, J., Barnett, G., & Terry, B. (1970) · American Journal of Physiology-Legacy Content · doi:10.1152/ajplegacy.1970.218.4.1030 · Cited by 342 · see citing works
Practice Parameters for the Evaluation of Chronic Insomnia
Chesson, A. L., Hartse, K. M., Anderson, W. M., Davila, D., Johnson, S. F., Littner, M. R., Wise, M. S., & Rafecas, J. (2000) · SLEEP · doi:10.1093/sleep/23.2.1k · Cited by 332 · see citing works
Brain-gut axis in health and disease
Aziz, Q., & Thompson, D. G. (1998) · Gastroenterology · doi:10.1016/s0016-5085(98)70540-2 · Cited by 328 · see citing works
Gastrointestinal dysfunction in autism: parental report, clinical evaluation, and associated factors
Gorrindo, P., Williams, K. C., Lee, E. B., Walker, L. S., McGrew, S. G., & Levitt, P. (2012) · Autism Research · doi:10.1002/aur.237 · Cited by 325 · see citing works
Self-citationIncidence of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Children With Autism: A Population-Based Study
Ibrahim, S. H., Voigt, R. G., Katusic, S. K., Weaver, A. L., & Barbaresi, W. J. (2009) · PEDIATRICS · doi:10.1542/peds.2008-2933 · Cited by 298 · see citing works
Autonomic responses of autistic children to people and objects
Hirstein, W., Iversen, P., & Ramachandran, V. S. (2001) · Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series B: Biological Sciences · doi:10.1098/rspb.2001.1724 · Cited by 297 · see citing works
Stress at the intestinal surface: catecholamines and mucosa–bacteria interactions
Lyte, M., Vulchanova, L., & Brown, D. R. (2011) · Cell and Tissue Research · doi:10.1007/s00441-010-1050-0 · Cited by 281 · see citing works
Stress System – Organization, Physiology and Immunoregulation
Elenkov, I. J., & Chrousos, G. P. (2006) · NeuroImmunoModulation · doi:10.1159/000104853 · Cited by 267 · see citing works
Autism and gastrointestinal symptoms
Horvath, K., & Perman, J. A. (2002) · Current Gastroenterology Reports · doi:10.1007/s11894-002-0071-6 · Cited by 260 · see citing works
Reduced cardiac parasympathetic activity in children with autism
Ming, X., Julu, P. O. O., Brimacombe, M., Connor, S., & Daniels, M. L. (2005) · Brain and Development · doi:10.1016/j.braindev.2005.01.003 · Cited by 245 · see citing works
Skin Conductance Responses to Another Person’s Gaze in Children with Autism
Kylliäinen, A., & Hietanen, J. K. (2006) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s10803-006-0091-4 · Cited by 236 · see citing works
Autistic disorder and gastrointestinal disease
Horvath, K., & Perman, J. A. (2002) · Current Opinion in Pediatrics · doi:10.1097/00008480-200210000-00004 · Cited by 224 · see citing works
Martínez-Martínez, L.-A., Mora, T., Vargas, A., Fuentes-Iniestra, M., & Martínez-Lavín, M. (2014) · JCR: Journal of Clinical Rheumatology · doi:10.1097/rhu.0000000000000089 · Cited by 224 · see citing works
Handbook of Physiology, Section 6: The Gastrointestinal System
Greenberger, N. J. (1993) · JAMA · doi:10.1001/jama.1993.03500160119051 · Cited by 211 · see citing works
Kushki, A., Drumm, E., Pla Mobarak, M., Tanel, N., Dupuis, A., Chau, T., & Anagnostou, E. (2013) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0059730 · Cited by 209 · see citing works
Stimulation of Staphylococcus epidermidis growth and biofilm formation by catecholamine inotropes
Lyte, M., Freestone, P. P. E., Neal, C. P., Olson, B. A., Haigh, R., Bayston, R., & WILLIAMS, P. H. (2003) · The Lancet · doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(03)12231-3 · Cited by 205 · see citing works
Pilot Study of the Sensory Over-Responsivity Scales: Assessment and Inventory
Schoen, S. A., Miller, L. J., & Green, K. E. (2008) · American Journal of Occupational Therapy · doi:10.5014/ajot.62.4.393 · Cited by 201 · see citing works
Pellissier, S., Dantzer, C., Canini, F., Mathieu, N., & Bonaz, B. (2010) · Psychoneuroendocrinology · doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2009.10.004 · Cited by 198 · see citing works
Affective response to eye contact and face recognition ability in children with ASD
JOSEPH, R. M., EHRMAN, K., MCNALLY, R., & KEEHN, B. (2008) · Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society · doi:10.1017/s1355617708081344 · Cited by 185 · see citing works
The participation of the sympathetic innervation of the gastrointestinal tract in disease states
Lomax, A. E., Sharkey, K. A., & Furness, J. B. (2010) · Neurogastroenterology & Motility · doi:10.1111/j.1365-2982.2009.01381.x · Cited by 184 · see citing works
Short-term and medium-term health effects of 9/11
Perlman, S. E., Friedman, S. M., Galea, S., Nair, H. P., Erös-Sarnyai, M., Stellman, S. D., Hon, J., & Greene, C. M. (2011) · The Lancet · doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(11)60967-7 · Cited by 172 · see citing works
A nervous mechanism for descending inhibition in guinea‐pig small intestine
Hirst, G. D. S., & McKirdy, H. C. (1974) · The Journal of Physiology · doi:10.1113/jphysiol.1974.sp010514 · Cited by 153 · see citing works
Functional autonomic nervous system profile in children with autism spectrum disorder
Kushki, A., Brian, J., Dupuis, A., & Anagnostou, E. (2014) · Molecular Autism · doi:10.1186/2040-2392-5-39 · Cited by 141 · see citing works
Bresnahan, M., Hornig, M., Schultz, A. F., Gunnes, N., Hirtz, D., Lie, K. K., Magnus, P., Reichborn-Kjennerud, T., Roth, C., Schjølberg, S., et al. (2015) · JAMA Psychiatry · doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.3034 · Cited by 132 · see citing works
Paradoxical autonomic response to mental tasks in autism
Toichi, M., & Kamio, Y. (2003) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1023/a:1025062812374 · Cited by 122 · see citing works
Neuhaus, E., Bernier, R., & Beauchaine, T. P. (2014) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s10803-013-1923-7 · Cited by 119 · see citing works
Sympathetic Skin Nerve Discharges in Relation to Amplitude of Skin Resistance Responses
Lidberg, L., & Wallin, B. G. (1981) · Psychophysiology · doi:10.1111/j.1469-8986.1981.tb03033.x · Cited by 116 · see citing works
Heart rate variability in the irritable bowel syndrome: A review of the literature
Mazurak, N., Seredyuk, N., Sauer, H., Teufel, M., & Enck, P. (2012) · Neurogastroenterology & Motility · doi:10.1111/j.1365-2982.2011.01866.x · Cited by 102 · see citing works
van Engeland, H. (1984) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/bf02409578 · Cited by 94 · see citing works
Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and Language Regression
Valicenti-McDermott, M., McVicar, K. A., Cohen, H. J., Wershil, B. K., & Shinnar, S. (2008) · Pediatric Neurology · doi:10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2008.07.019 · Cited by 90 · see citing works
Parent-Reported Gastro-intestinal Symptoms in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Chandler, S., Carcani-Rathwell, I., Charman, T., Pickles, A. R., Loucas, T., Meldrum, D., Simonoff, E. A., Sullivan, P. B., & Baird, G. (2013) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s10803-013-1768-0 · Cited by 78 · see citing works
Bouchoucha, M. L., Hejnar, M., Devroede, G. J., Babba, T., Bon, C., & Benamouzig, R. (2012) · Clinics and Research in Hepatology and Gastroenterology · doi:10.1016/j.clinre.2012.10.011 · Cited by 74 · see citing works
Rigid-compulsive behaviors are associated with mixed bowel symptoms in autism spectrum disorder
Peters, B., Williams, K. C., Gorrindo, P., Rosenberg, D., Lee, E. B., Levitt, P., & Veenstra-VanderWeele, J. (2014) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s10803-013-2009-2 · Cited by 70 · see citing works
Self-citationLiu, Q., Wang, E. M., Yan, X. J., & Chen, S. L. (2013) · Journal of Digestive Diseases · doi:10.1111/1751-2980.12092 · Cited by 69 · see citing works
Sympathetic activation in broadly defined generalized anxiety disorder
Roth, W. T., Doberenz, S., Dietel, A., Conrad, A., Mueller‐Alcazar, A., Wollburg, E., Meuret, A. E., Taylor, C. B., & Kim, S. Y. (2007) · Journal of Psychiatric Research · doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2006.12.003 · Cited by 68 · see citing works
van Tilburg, M. A. L., Squires, M. M., Blois‐Martin, N., Leiby, A., & Langseder, A. L. (2012) · Neurogastroenterology & Motility · doi:10.1111/nmo.12056 · Cited by 61 · see citing works
Autonomic nervous system activity in constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome patients
Mazur, M., Furgała, A., Jabłoński, K., Mach, T., & Thor, P. (2012) · Medical Science Monitor · doi:10.12659/msm.883269 · Cited by 59 · see citing works
Barry, R. J., & James, A. L. (1988) · International Journal of Psychophysiology · doi:10.1016/0167-8760(88)90045-1 · Cited by 57 · see citing works
Role of the Brain-Gut Axis in the Pathophysiology of Crohn’s Disease
Stasi, C., & Orlandelli, E. (2008) · Digestive Diseases · doi:10.1159/000116774 · Cited by 54 · see citing works
The Brain-Gut Axis: A Target for Treating Stress-Related Disorders
Scott, L. V., Clarke, G. A., & Dinan, T. G. (2013) · Modern trends in psychiatry · doi:10.1159/000343971 · Cited by 46 · see citing works
Construct Validity of the Pediatric Rome III Criteria
Saps, M., Nichols‐Vinueza, D., Mintjens, S., Pusatcioglu, C. K., & Benítez, C. A. V. (2014) · Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition · doi:10.1097/mpg.0000000000000482 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
Mouridsen, S. E., Rich, B., & Isager, T. (2010) · Child Care Health and Development · doi:10.1111/j.1365-2214.2009.01021.x · Cited by 31 · see citing works
Influence of the cold pressor test on the middle cerebral artery circulation
Žvan, B., Zaletel, M., Oblak, J. P., Pogačnik, T., & Kiauta, T. (1998) · Journal of the Autonomic Nervous System · doi:10.1016/s0165-1838(98)00163-5 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
Foster, P. S., Hubbard, T. M., Yung, R. C., Ferguson, B. J., Drago, V., & Harrison, D. W. (2012) · Laterality Asymmetries of Body Brain and Cognition · doi:10.1080/1357650x.2011.631545 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Self-citation
Flagged first, then by citations
Research works printed but not linked: 1
- Foster PS Hubbard T Yung RC Ferguson BJ Drago V Harrison DW 2013 Cerebral asymmetry in the control of cardiovascular functioning: Evidence from fine motor control Laterality 18 108 119 23231546
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Emerging biomarkers in autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review
Frye, R. E., Vassall, S. G., Kaur, G., Lewis, C., Karim, M., & Rossignol, D. A. (2019) · Annals of Translational Medicine · doi:10.21037/atm.2019.11.53 · Cited by 209 · see citing works
Arnold, L. E., Luna, R. A., Williams, K., Chan, J., Parker, R. A., Wu, Q., Hollway, J. A., Jeffs, A., Lu, F., Coury, D. L., et al. (2019) · Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1089/cap.2018.0156 · Cited by 183 · see citing works
Shorter sleep duration is associated with social impairment and comorbidities in ASD
Veatch, O. J., Sutcliffe, J. S., Warren, Z. E., Keenan, B. T., Potter, M. H., & Malow, B. A. (2017) · Autism Research · doi:10.1002/aur.1765 · Cited by 167 · see citing works
Immune Dysregulation in Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Do We Know about It?
Robinson-Agramonte, M. D. L. A., Noris García, E., Fraga Guerra, J., Vega Hurtado, Y., Antonucci, N., Semprún-Hernández, N., Schultz, S., & Siniscalco, D. (2022) · International Journal of Molecular Sciences · doi:10.3390/ijms23063033 · Cited by 176 · see citing works
Gastrointestinal Issues and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Madra, M., Ringel, R., & Margolis, K. G. (2020) · Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America · doi:10.1016/j.chc.2020.02.005 · Cited by 159 · see citing works
Self-citationRisk Factors for Unhealthy Weight Gain and Obesity among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Dhaliwal, K. K., Orsso, C. E., Richard, C., Haqq, A. M., & Zwaigenbaum, L. (2019) · International Journal of Molecular Sciences · doi:10.3390/ijms20133285 · Cited by 149 · see citing works
Zheng, Z., Zhang, L., Li, S., Zhao, F., Wang, Y., Huang, L., Huang, J., Zou, R., Qu, Y., & Mu, D. (2017) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-017-12003-4 · Cited by 132 · see citing works
Wang, J., Xu, W., Wang, R., Cheng, R., Tang, Z., & Zhang, M. (2021) · Food & Function · doi:10.1039/d1fo00115a · Cited by 127 · see citing works
Lefter, R., Ciobica, A., Timofte, D., Stanciu, C., & Trifan, A. (2019) · Medicina · doi:10.3390/medicina56010011 · Cited by 120 · see citing works
Restrepo, B., Angkustsiri, K., Taylor, S. L., Rogers, S. J., Cabral, J., Heath, B. E., Hechtman, A., Solomon, M., Ashwood, P., Amaral, D. G., et al. (2020) · Autism Research · doi:10.1002/aur.2354 · Cited by 120 · see citing works
Ferguson, B. J., Dovgan, K., Takahashi, N., & Beversdorf, D. Q. (2019) · Frontiers in Psychiatry · doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00194 · Cited by 110 · see citing works
Self-citationThe Relationship between Autism and Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes/Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders
Casanova, E. L., Baeza-Velasco, C., Buchanan, C. B., & Casanova, M. F. (2020) · Journal of Personalized Medicine · doi:10.3390/jpm10040260 · Cited by 109 · see citing works
Akkermansia muciniphila in neuropsychiatric disorders: friend or foe?
Lei, W., Cheng, Y., Gao, J., Liu, X., Shao, L., Kong, Q., Zheng, N., Ling, Z., & Hu, W. (2023) · Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology · doi:10.3389/fcimb.2023.1224155 · Cited by 101 · see citing works
Gastrointestinal involvement of autism spectrum disorder: focus on gut microbiota
Settanni, C. R., Bibbò, S., Ianiro, G., Rinninella, E., Cintoni, M., Mele, M. C., Cammarota, G., & Gasbarrini, A. (2021) · Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology · doi:10.1080/17474124.2021.1869938 · Cited by 98 · see citing works
Physical health in children with neurodevelopmental disorders
Alabaf, S., Gillberg, C., Lundström, S., Lichtenstein, P., Kerekes, N., Råstam, M., & Anckarsäter, H. S. (2018) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s10803-018-3697-4 · Cited by 99 · see citing works
Hung, L. Y., & Margolis, K. G. (2024) · Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology · doi:10.1038/s41575-023-00857-1 · Cited by 96 · see citing works
Self-citationAssociation of rigid-compulsive behavior with functional constipation in autism spectrum disorder
Marler, S., Ferguson, B. J., Lee, E. B., Peters, B., Williams, K. C., McDonnell, E., Macklin, E. A., Levitt, P., Margolis, K. G., Beversdorf, D. Q., et al. (2017) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s10803-017-3084-6 · Cited by 94 · see citing works
Self-citationFerguson, B. J., Marler, S., Altstein, L. L., Lee, E. B., Mazurek, M. O., McLaughlin, A., Macklin, E. A., McDonnell, E., Davis, D. J., Belenchia, A. M., et al. (2016) · Brain, Behavior, and Immunity · doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2016.05.009 · Cited by 89 · see citing works
Self-citationTan, C. L. H., Frewer, V., Cox, G., Williams, K. J., & Ure, A. M. (2021) · Autism Research · doi:10.1002/aur.2463 · Cited by 78 · see citing works
McCrae, C. S., Chan, W. S., Curtis, A. F., Nair, N., Deroche, C. B., Munoz, M., Takamatsu, S., McLean, D., Davenport, M., Muckerman, J. E., et al. (2021) · Autism · doi:10.1177/1362361320949078 · Cited by 72 · see citing works
Self-citationGastrointestinal Issues and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Madra, M., Ringel, R., & Margolis, K. G. (2021) · Psychiatric Clinics of North America · doi:10.1016/j.psc.2020.11.006 · Cited by 71 · see citing works
Self-citationNeuhaus, E., Bernier, R., Tham, S. W., & Webb, S. J. (2018) · Frontiers in Psychiatry · doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00515 · Cited by 51 · see citing works
The Role of the Noradrenergic System in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Implications for Treatment
Beversdorf, D. Q. (2020) · Seminars in Pediatric Neurology · doi:10.1016/j.spen.2020.100834 · Cited by 35 · see citing works
Self-citationSpann, M. N., Timonen‐Soivio, L., Suominen, A., Cheslack‐Postava, K., McKeague, I. W., Sourander, A., & Brown, A. S. (2019) · Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/j.jaac.2018.09.444 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
Li, Y., Sun, Y.-H., Liang, Y.-P., Zhou, F., Yang, J., & Jin, S.-L. (2021) · PubMed Central · doi:10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2108085 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
Multidisciplinary treatment plan for challenging behaviors in neurodevelopmental disorders
Guinchat, V., Cravero, C., Lefèvre-Utile, J., & Cohen, D. (2020) · Handbook of clinical neurology · doi:10.1016/b978-0-444-64148-9.00022-3 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
Tomaszek, N., Urbaniak, A. D., Bałdyga, D., Chwesiuk, K., Modzelewski, S., & Waszkiewicz, N. (2025) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu17030486 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
Nuske, H. J., Goodwin, M. S., Kushleyeva, Y., Forsyth, D., Pennington, J. W., Masino, A. J., Finkel, E., Bhattacharya, A., Tan, J., Tai, H., et al. (2021) · Autism Research · doi:10.1002/aur.2633 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Anxiety and Trauma-Related Disorders in Children on the Autism Spectrum
Ng‐Cordell, E., Wardell, V., Stewardson, C. I., & Kerns, C. M. (2022) · Current Psychiatry Reports · doi:10.1007/s11920-022-01331-6 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Weight management interventions for youth with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review
Healy, S., Pacanowski, C. R., & Williams, E. (2018) · International Journal of Obesity · doi:10.1038/s41366-018-0233-8 · Cited by 25 · see citing works
Drouin, J. S., Pfalzer, L., Shim, J.-M., & Kim, S. J. (2020) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph17113924 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
Barbier, A., Chen, J.-H., & Huizinga, J. D. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychiatry · doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2022.830234 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
“(76) investigated the relationship between autonomic nervous system activity and gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism, finding a significant correlation between lower gastrointestinal tract symptoms, such as constipation, and lower parasympathetic tone.”
BackgroundHolingue, C., Kalb, L. G., Musci, R. J., Lukens, C. T., Lee, L., Kaczaniuk, J., Landrum, M., Buie, T. M., & Fallin, M. D. (2022) · Autism Research · doi:10.1002/aur.2707 · Cited by 25 · see citing works
Ferguson, B. J., Hamlin, T., Lantz, J. F., Villavicencio, T., Coles, J. B., & Beversdorf, D. Q. (2019) · Frontiers in Psychiatry · doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00654 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
Self-citationFerguson, B. J., Dovgan, K., Severns, D., Martin, S., Marler, S., Gross Margolis, K., Bauman, M. L., Veenstra-VanderWeele, J., Sohl, K., & Beversdorf, D. Q. (2019) · Frontiers in Psychiatry · doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00528 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
Self-citationPerson‐Oriented Research Ethics to Address the Needs of Participants on the Autism Spectrum
Cascio, M. A., Weiss, J. A., & Racine, É. (2020) · Ethics & Human Research · doi:10.1002/eahr.500064 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
Dovgan, K. N., Gynegrowski, K., & Ferguson, B. J. (2022) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s10803-022-05539-6 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
Self-citationWarreman, E., Nooteboom, L., Terry, M., Hoek, H., Leenen, P., van Rossum, E. V., Ramlal, D., Vermeiren, R., & Ester, W. (2023) · Autism · doi:10.1177/13623613231155324 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
New Assessments and Treatments in ASD
Choueiri, R., & Zimmerman, A. W. (2017) · Current Treatment Options in Neurology · doi:10.1007/s11940-017-0443-8 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
Leader, G., Forde, J., Naughton, K., Maher, L., Arndt, S., & Mannion, A. (2021) · Journal of Intellectual Disability Research · doi:10.1111/jir.12789 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
Beversdorf, D. Q., Sohl, K., Levitskiy, D., Tennant, P., Goin‐Kochel, R. P., Shaffer, R. C., Confair, A., Middleton, F. A., & Hicks, S. D. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychiatry · doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.824933 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
Self-citationCuffman, C., & Burkhart, K. M. (2020) · Research in Autism · doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2020.101710 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
Gastrointestinal Symptoms in 2- to 5-Year-Old Children in the Study to Explore Early Development
Reynolds, A., Soke, G. N., Sabourin, K. R., Croen, L., Daniels, J. L., Fallin, M. D., Kral, T. V. E., Lee, L.-C., Newschaffer, C. J., Pinto‐Martin, J. A., et al. (2021) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s10803-020-04786-9 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
Kurokawa, S., Nomura, K., Miyaho, K., Sanada, K., Iwamoto, C., Naraoka, M., Yoneda, S., Tomizawa, Y., Sawae, Y., Iwanaga, R., et al. (2021) · Autism Research · doi:10.1002/aur.2549 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
Pilot Study of Real-World Monitoring of the Heart Rate Variability in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Brown, A. A., Ferguson, B. J., Jones, V., Green, B. E., Pearre, J. D., Anunoby, I., Beversdorf, D. Q., Barohn, R. J., & Cirstea, C. M. (2022) · Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence · doi:10.3389/frai.2022.910049 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
Self-citationHolingue, C., Pfeiffer, D. L., Ludwig, N. N., Reetzke, R., Hong, J. S., Kalb, L. G., & Landa, R. J. (2023) · Autism Research · doi:10.1002/aur.2972 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
The Potential Role of miRNAs as Predictive Biomarkers in Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Juvale, I. I. A., & Has, A. T. C. (2021) · Journal of Molecular Neuroscience · doi:10.1007/s12031-021-01825-7 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
Subgrouping school-aged children on the autism spectrum based on co-occurring psychiatric symptoms
Piergies, A. M. H., Hirota, T., Monden, R., & Zheng, S. (2022) · Research in Autism · doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2022.101983 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
Foldes, S. T., Jensen, A. R., Jacobson, A., Vassall, S. G., Foldes, E., Guthery, A., Brown, D., Levine, T. P., Tyler, W. J., & Frye, R. E. (2021) · Journal of Personalized Medicine · doi:10.3390/jpm11121307 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
Gastrointestinal Problems in Chinese Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Lai, K. Y. C., Leung, P. W. L., Hung, S. F., Shea, C. K., Mo, F. Y. M., Che, K. K. I., Tse, C., Lau, F. L. F., Ma, S. L., Wu, J. C., et al. (2020) · Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment · doi:10.2147/ndt.s260654 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Kumazaki, H., Sumioka, H., Muramatsu, T., Yoshikawa, Y., Shimaya, J., Iwanaga, R., Ishiguro, H., Sumiyoshi, T., & Mimura, M. (2021) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s10803-021-05173-8 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
A longitudinal evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder
Restrepo, B., Taylor, S. L., Ponzini, M. D., Angkustsiri, K., Solomon, M., Rogers, S. J., Ashwood, P., Say, D. S., Caceres, S., Alavynejad, S. M., et al. (2025) · Autism · doi:10.1177/13623613251362349 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Predictors of irritability in pediatric autistic populations: a scoping review
Alatrash, S., Paul, T., Carbone, J., Penner, M., Fekr, A. R., & Kushki, A. (2024) · Frontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry · doi:10.3389/frcha.2024.1393231 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Autonomic Disequilibrium at Rest in Autistic Children and Adults
Bufo, M. R., Guidotti, M., Lemaire, M., Malvy, J., Houy‐Durand, E., Bonnet‐Brilhault, F., Briend, F., Aguillon-Hernandez, N., & Wardak, C. (2025) · Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback · doi:10.1007/s10484-025-09696-z · Cited by 7 · see citing works
McCrae, C. S., Mazurek, M. O., Curtis, A. F., Beversdorf, D. Q., Deroche, C. B., Golzy, M., Sohl, K., Ner, Z. H., Davis, B. E., Stearns, M. A., et al. (2021) · BMJ Open · doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045944 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Self-citationGastrointestinal disorders in children with autism: Could artificial intelligence help?
Al‐Beltagi, M., Saeed, N. K., & Qaraghuli, S. (2022) · Artificial Intelligence in Gastroenterology · doi:10.35712/aig.v3.i1.1 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Gaougaou, G., Zahra, R., Morel, S., Bélanger, V., Knoth, I. S., Cousineau, D., d’Arc, B. F., Grzywacz, K., Rousseau, G., Déziel, É., et al. (2025) · Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders · doi:10.1186/s11689-025-09617-5 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Cleary, S. R., Asbury, S., Schachar, R. J., Crosbie, J., Nicolson, R., Weksberg, R., Kelley, E. A., Jones, J., Ayub, M., Georgiades, S., et al. (2025) · Autism Research · doi:10.1002/aur.70143 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Yarger, H. A., Sarkar, M., Harrington, E., & Redcay, E. (2024) · Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s40489-024-00449-y · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Constipation in Children with Autism: A Comprehensive Review
Chogle, A. S., Wong, G., & Megerian, J. T. (2024) · Current Treatment Options in Pediatrics · doi:10.1007/s40746-024-00304-6 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Giltinan, K., Goodall, C., & Kenny, N. (2025) · Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs · doi:10.1111/1471-3802.70017 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Smith, W., & Desprez, C. (2024) · Autism · doi:10.1177/13623613241289114 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Advancement on the Association between Gut Microbiota and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children
Abulaiti, A., Yu, H., Ma, J., Wuji, A., & Chi, H. (2025) · Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism · doi:10.1159/000549716 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Gastrointestinal Disturbances in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Gottesman-Katz, L., Miller, J. D., & Margolis, K. G. (2022) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-15229-0_28 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Self-citationNeubauer, J. C., Kaiser, A., & Hohmann, S. (2023) · Zeitschrift für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und Psychotherapie · doi:10.1024/1422-4917/a000962 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Austin, K., Turner, A., Maricar, A., Taimuri, H., & Mutalib, M. (2025) · Frontline Gastroenterology · doi:10.1136/flgastro-2024-102870 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Greydanus, D. E., Gregoire-Bottex, M., & Merrick, J. (2016) · International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health · doi:10.1515/ijamh-2016-0127 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Headache in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Canitano, R., & Schroder, C. M. (2017) · Headache · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-54726-8_14 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Investigation of peripheral nerve sensitivity in two animal models of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Ibrahim, H. (2019) · CLOK (University of Central Lancashire) · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Functional Constipation Frequency in Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Günay, Ç., Civan, H. A., Yılmaz, S., & Taşkın, D. G. (2021) · Konselor · doi:10.24036/02021101111060-0-00
Roesser, J. L. (2021) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-91280-6_32
Roesser, J. L. (2018) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_32-3
Nutritional Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Benghazi
Eltuhami, A., Nouh, F., Elfagi, S., Omar, M., Nasser, W., tawfiek, D., & Al-dain, S. N. (2021) · SAS Journal of Medicine · doi:10.36347/sasjm.2021.v07i08.004
PHYSICAL COMORBIDITIES IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
Maritska, Z., Isman, R., Prananjaya, B. A., & Parisa, N. (2022) · Indonesian Journal for Health Sciences · doi:10.24269/ijhs.v6i2.4615
Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Functional Constipation in Children
王, 树. (2023) · Advances in Clinical Medicine · doi:10.12677/acm.2023.134735
Autism and Medical Comorbidities
Megerian, J. T., Golla, S., Pionk, M. J., Amin, H., & Kim, A. (2024) · Autism and child psychopathology series · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-64499-3_25
Myers, S. M., & Challman, T. D. (2024) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-824060-1.00038-9
Understanding the Neuropsychological Profile of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Thacker, R. (2025) · IGI Global eBooks · doi:10.4018/979-8-3693-9689-6.ch010
de Oliveira, C. A., Iorio, E. L., & Espíndola, F. S. (2025) · Pediatric Reports · doi:10.3390/pediatric17050092
Tong, A., Carboni, M., & Findon, J. L. (2026) · Research in Autism · doi:10.1016/j.reia.2026.202832
Ayad, M. N., & Ayoub, H. E.-S. A.-A. (2026) · Physiotherapy Research International · doi:10.1002/pri.70222
Rosenthal, E., Waschbusch, D. A., & Mayes, S. D. (2026) · Autism · doi:10.1177/13623613261464209
Megari, K., & Genova, K. D. (2026) · Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society · doi:10.1017/s1355617726102185
- Authors
- Ferguson, B. J., Marler, S., Altstein, L. L., Lee, E. B., Akers, J., Sohl, K., McLaughlin, A., Hartnett, K., Kille, B., Mazurek, M., Macklin, E. A., McDonnell, E., Barstow, M., Bauman, M. L., Margolis, K. G., Veenstra‐VanderWeele, J., & Beversdorf, D. Q.
- Affiliations
- University of Missouri (US)
- Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital (US)
- Massachusetts General Hospital (US)
- Vanderbilt University (US)
- Harvard University (US)
- Boston University (US)
- Columbia University (US)
- Department of Psychiatry and Sackler Institute for Developmental Psychobiology Columbia University
- Corresponding author
- Beversdorf, David Q.
- ORCID
- Venue
- Autism Research
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2016-06-20
- Volume
- 10
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 276-288
- ISSN
- 1939-3792 (ISSN-L)
- 1939-3806
- PMC
- PMC5526214
- OpenAlex
- W2467656453
- Cited by
- 84
- References
- 66
- Citations by year
- 2026: 4 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 11 · 2021: 14 · 2020: 12 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 5 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 2
- FWCI
- 4.45
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- green
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Locations
- Autism Research (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
- Funders
- Autism Speaks
- Health Resources and Services Administration
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (K08DK093786)
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (U54HD083211)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Gastroenterology › Gastrointestinal motility and disorders
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues
- Keywords
- autism spectrum disorder, gastrointestinal symptoms, functional constipation, autonomic nervous system, heart rate variability, skin conductance, anxiety disorders, regressive autism
- MeSH terms
- Autism Spectrum Disorder, Adolescent, Anxiety, Child, Constipation, Female, Gastrointestinal Diseases, Heart Rate, Humans, Male
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review
