Abstract:  Objective · To explore the detection rate of gastrointestinal problems in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children.  Methods · 336 ASD children aged from 3-8 years old in Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics in Shanghai Children’s Medical Center and Xinhua Hospital were recruited to the study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All of the children met diagnostic criteria of ASD in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition. General information about the children, including birth date, gender and gastrointestinal problems during recent 3 months, were completed by parents or caretakers. The detection rate of gastrointestinal problems was depicted in this population.  Results · Among 336 ASD individuals, gastrointestinal problems were detected in 85 children. General detection rate for gastrointestinal problems is 25.3%. Specifically, 59 (17.6%) children were with constipation, 12 (3.6%) children with vomiting, 11 (3.3%) children with diarrhea, 7 (2.1%) children with abdominal pain and 6 (1.8%) children with abdominal bloating. There was no significant difference in detection rate for gastrointestinal problems among different age groups (χ2=1.511, P=0.680), as well as in severity scores for gastrointestinal problems (F=0.773, P=0.513).  Conclusion · Gastrointestinal problems are often found in Chinese ASD children and persistently occurred in children aged 3 to 8 years old, but the severity score for gastrointestinal problems did not significantly decrease as age increased. More concern must be paid to gastrointestinal problems, especially to constipation. Gastrointestinal problems should be taken as a part of chronic disease management in ASD children.

Key words: autism spectrum disorder, gastrointestinal problem, detection rate, constipation, severity score