AUTHORS: Babinsk\u00e1, K., Pivovar\u010diov\u00e1, A., \u010cel\u00e1rov\u00e1, D., Sashova Tomova, A., Ostatn\u00edkov\u00e1, D.<\/p>\n
ABSTRACT: Objectives:<\/span> A sizeable fraction of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is <\/span>affected by a variety of comorbid conditions including behavioural or psychiatric dis<\/span>orders, and medical problems. The evidence indicates that behavioural symptoms and <\/span>gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction are possibly interrelated phenomena in ASD, and it is <\/span>hypothesized that they may have common underlying mechanisms. The aim of the study <\/span>was to investigate associations between GI symptoms and conduct problems in individuals <\/span>with ASD.<\/span> Activitas Nervosa Superior Rediviva. – Vol. 58, No. 3 (2016), s. 69-72. – ISSN (print) 1337-933X<\/p>\n
Methods:<\/span> The study involved 102 participants aged 3\u201318 years. Nisonger Child Behavior <\/span>Rating Form was used for assessment of the conduct problems, and history of GI symp<\/span>toms was obtained. Score of GI dysfunction and conduct problem score were calculated.<\/span>
Results:<\/span> Only 8.7% of participants were free of GI symptoms, majority (56.3%) suffered <\/span>from severe GI dysfunction. Of the individuals free of GI disorder 20% displayed conduct <\/span>problems, the frequency increased to 41.9% in the subgroup with mild GI dysfunction, <\/span>and to 67.9% in subjects with severe GI dysfunction, respectively (<\/span>p=<\/span>0.024). The severity <\/span>of conduct problems significantly correlated with the severity of GI dysfunction (r=0.26; <\/span>p=<\/span>0.018).<\/span>
Conclusion:<\/span> Our results show association between GI symptoms and conduct problems. <\/span>Conduct problems may have profound adverse consequences on the individuals. Many of <\/span>the GI conditions occurring in ASD are treatable, and treatment of the physical problems <\/span>might have positive effect also on behavioural presentation of autism. It may be possible <\/span>that research into GI symptoms might elucidate aspects of the underlying neurobiological <\/span>mechanisms associated with ASD.<\/span><\/p>\n