How Stress and Gastro Issues Affect Kids With Autism

For some children with autism, there's a connection between gastrointestinal issues and stress, anxiety and social withdrawal, a new study suggests.

The findings could help efforts to develop personalized treatments for autism patients with gastrointestinal problems such as stomach pain and constipation, the University of Missouri researchers suggest.

Such problems tend to occur more often in children with autism than in those without the disorder.

"Research has shown gastrointestinal issues are associated with an increased stress response as well as aggression and irritability in some children with autism," says Brad Ferguson, an assistant research professor at the university's Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

The link between stress and gastrointestinal issues

"This likely happens because some kids with autism are unable to verbally communicate their gastrointestinal discomfort as well as how they feel in general, which can be extremely frustrating," Ferguson said in a university news release. "The goal of our research is to find out what factors are associated with gastrointestinal problems in individuals with autism so we can design treatments to help these individuals feel better."

In the study, Ferguson and colleagues analyzed health data from more than 600 young patients who have autism with gastrointestinal issues. They found more evidence that the connection between the brain and the digestive tract -- the gut-brain axis -- plays an important role in gastrointestinal problems in people with autism.

"Stress signals from the brain can alter the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine in the gut, which control gastrointestinal motility, or the movement of stool through the intestines. Stress also impacts the balance of bacteria living in the gut, called the microbiota, which can alter gastrointestinal functioning," Ferguson explains.

"The gut then sends signals back to the brain, and that can, in turn, lead to feelings of anxiety, depression and social withdrawal," he adds. "The cycle then repeats, so novel treatments addressing signals from both the brain and the gut may provide the most benefit for some kids with gastrointestinal disorders and autism."

Solving this complex problem and developing treatments requires an interdisciplinary team of specialists, according to Ferguson.

He's now involved in a clinical trial to assess how a stress-reducing medication affects gastrointestinal issues.

Tips for raising a special needs child

Parents of children with special needs face a number of challenges, so here's some advice from an expert.

"Raising children is an adventure for any parent, but the journey for parents of children with special needs often has a few more twists and turns," says Dr. Thomas Challman, medical director of the Geisinger Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute in Lewisburg, Pa. "From identifying medical conditions they may have a predisposition for, to securing the most effective education, it's important to know what your options are."

Learn everything you can about your child's condition so you can identify potential medical complications, help with their development and advocate for them at every stage of life.

"Many developmental disorders affect a child's physical health, and vice versa," Challman explains in a Geisinger news release. "For example, children with autism may experience seizures, gastrointestinal difficulties, sleeplessness and trouble eating."

Awareness of these issues will help you advocate for your child at home, in school or at the doctor's office.

It's important to start children with special needs on the road to independence when they're young.

"If possible, teaching children to be responsible for their own laundry or other chores will provide great experience and translate to self-confidence when making their own decisions," Challman adds. "It will also encourage them to continue seeking out their own successes, teaching vital life skills."

Activities such as riding public transportation or running errands together will also help your child get used to more crowded areas and become more comfortable coping outside of the home.

Be involved with your child's school and teacher.

"At-home engagement on in-class topics can cement the teachings in a way homework can't always fulfill," Challman shares. "Plus, your child will see how important school is to you, allowing you to lead by example."

Group activities like art, camps or sports will give your child a chance to socialize outside of the home, build confidence and create lasting friendships.

"Being able to play well with others is a foundational skill for effective participation in school settings," Challman adds. "It means they can work well in a group, learn to compromise and take responsibility. Confidence in social situations can also translate to personal independence."

Join a family or parent support group where you can share experiences, frustrations and successes, and practice self-care.

"Remember, you're not alone," Challman says. "Other parents have been through this, or are currently going through it, so they might be able to help answer questions, give advice or provide support."