Research progress on mechanisms and clinical management of comorbid constipation in children with autism spectrum disorder

Jie-Jie DING; Dong-Yue DU; Ping LI

doi:10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2506077

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Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics ›› 2025, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (12) : 1549-1555. DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2506077

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Research progress on mechanisms and clinical management of comorbid constipation in children with autism spectrum disorder

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Abstract

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently have comorbid gastrointestinal problems, with constipation being the most prevalent. The onset and severity of constipation are closely related to the core symptoms of ASD, and improving constipation can alleviate these core symptoms. However, the mechanisms underlying comorbid constipation in ASD remain unclear. Multidisciplinary assessment is the foundation of clinical management for comorbid constipation in ASD. Targeted pharmacological therapy, dietary interventions, gut microbiota modulation, and complementary and alternative medicine interventions can be chosen for personalized treatment. This review summarizes the mechanisms, assessment, and clinical management of comorbid constipation in ASD and aims to provide a reference for comprehensive interventions in ASD.

Key words

Autism spectrum disorder / Constipation / Gut microbiota / Intestinal permeability / Sensory abnormality / Child

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Jie-Jie DING , Dong-Yue DU , Ping LI. Research progress on mechanisms and clinical management of comorbid constipation in children with autism spectrum disorder[J]. Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics. 2025, 27(12): 1549-1555 https://doi.org/10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2506077

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