RESUMO
PURPOSE: Gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with autism spectrum disorder may constitute a subgroup with complex gut-brain interactions underlying the pathogenesis. This study examined the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in a sample of Chinese children with autism spectrum disorder, as well as the factors related to them. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: The participants included a clinic sample of 107 children with autism spectrum disorder and 249 gender- and age-matched typically developing community children. RESULTS: Results found children with autism spectrum disorder to be twice as likely to suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms, reporting increased rates of constipation, abdominal migraine and aerophagia. Autism spectrum disorder diagnosis remained a significant predictor of gastrointestinal symptoms after taking into account the potential confounders that included comorbid psychopathologies, diets, and parental anxiety and depression. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that autism spectrum disorder with gastrointestinal symptoms may constitute a subgroup within the autism spectrum disorder population that warrants further investigation.
RESUMO
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a disorder with high levels of co-morbidities. The Developmental, Dimensional and Diagnostic Interview (3 Di) is a relatively new instrument designed to provide dimensional as well as categorical assessment of autistic behaviours among children with normal intelligence. Its sound psychometric properties and relatively short administration time make it a versatile instrument. The 3 Di was translated into Chinese (Cantonese) and its applicability among 194 clinic children was examined. Results found excellent reliability and validity, and achieved a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 77%. It was able to capture the diagnosis of ASD among children presenting with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, although the disorder of ASD is considered universal, the use of a western instrument in a Chinese context should also take note of cultural influences that may impact on the manifestation of its symptoms.