Constipation Burden in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Emergency Department and Healthcare Use

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with high rates of gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances and comorbidities. The reported prevalence of GI symptoms in children with ASD varies greatly, which reflects methodologic limitations; however, constipation is consistently among the most frequently reported GI symptoms, with a prevalence of up to 50% or more, and has a meaningful impact on children with ASD and their families.1-4 Difficulties in acquiring bowel training, behavioral stool withholding, inadequate fluid intake, low fiber consumption, decreased activity, and medications resulting in altered GI and specifically decreased colonic motility have been cited as potential etiologies of constipation of children with ASD.

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