Exploring gastrointestinal challenges and their effect on the social life of autistic adults

This paper is based on a literature review completed by the first author in part-fulfilment of his MSc (ASD) at Queen’s University Belfast under the course directorship of the second author. The first author is a senior of paediatrics at a paediatric teaching hospital in Iraq. Gastrointestinal (GI) problems can significantly affect the health, comfort and quality of life of everyone. The review in the last issue of the GAP Journal of Virginia Bovell’s recent book about the GI difficulties experienced by her son Danny is a powerful testament to this. This paper provides an overview of GI issues with a focus specifically on autistic adults. Several studies reveal that GI problems are more common among autistic adults than in the general population, with 46 percent to 84 percent experiencing symptoms like abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, and gastroesophageal reflux. Addressing these GI issues needs an understanding of contributing factors, including altered gastrointestinal motility, sensory sensitivities, dietary influences and communication challenges that can complicate the diagnosis of GI problems. Management strategies range from behavioural and lifestyle changes and dietary and nutritional interventions to pharmacological treatments and comprehensive interdisciplinary support. This paper reviews the literature on GI and autism and highlights the most common GI issues experienced by autistic adults. The Editor welcomes papers on this topic which share effective practice in recognising and/or managing GI problems.<br/><br/>