Learn About Gastrointestinal Issues in Autism

Autism Science Month - Week 2: Gastrointestinal Issues

Gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain, constipation, and GERD are common co-occurring conditions experienced by autistic people. ARI has supported GI research for several decades and provided evidence-based education to practitioners and parents to better understand the connection between autism and gastrointestinal problems.

Dr. Edelson's Editorial:

Gastrointestinal Problems Common in Autism Linked to Gene Mutation that Affects Behavior

A recent study reported that gastrointestinal problems co-occurring with autism might stem from gene mutations that are also linked to the behavioral symptoms of the condition.

Kara Gross Margolis and colleagues studied mice carrying a mutation also seen in some individuals with autism. The mutation reduces the activity of the neurotransmitter serotonin by increasing the activity of the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT), which ferries serotonin back into neurons after it is released.

Read the Editorial

Nutrition and the Gut-Brain Connection

Over the past decade or so, researchers have begun to look deeply into the gut-brain connection. It may seem obvious that what happens in the brain can affect the gut, as the brain sends signals to all parts of the body. However, what happens in the gut may also affect the brain. Researchers are investigating the implications of this gut-brain connection for individuals with autism.

Continuing Education for Clinicians: Gastrointestinal Issues in Autism

Learn about the recognition and diagnostic evaluation of gastrointestinal issues autistic individuals, including their frequent presentation with behavioral manifestations.

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#WebinarWednesdays - Research Making a Difference

Research Finds GI Issues Coincide with Challenging Behaviors in Autism

A 2019 study from the University of Missouri adds to evidence that challenging behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can be an indication of gastrointestinal (GI) distress.

Watch the playback to learn about findings from lead researcher Bradley Ferguson, PhD.

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Research on Microbiota Transfer Therapy in Patients with Autism

Dr. Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, Ph.D., discusses her recent studies on gut microbiota in individuals with autism who have gastrointestinal (GI) problems. She outlines what we know about human microbiomes, how they interact with our bodies, and the potential they hold for treating autism symptoms.

*Dr. Krajmalnik-Brown will be presenting research updates 11/1/23 - register here

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The Role of Neurotransmitters in GI Disorders Related to Autism

Kara Gross Margolis, MD, describes recent studies on the role of serotonin and the more extensive gut microbiome in gastrointestinal (GI) and inflammatory conditions related to autism. She presents case studies highlighting the different presentations of GI issues in iindividuals with autism and how those behaviors relate to the gut-brain links.

Watch now

ARI Research Grant Closeup: Gastrointestinal Issues

ARI conducts, sponsors, and supports research on the underlying causes of and appropriate medical care for autism.

Recent ARI grant recipients researching gastrointestinal issues:

Harland Winter, M.D., Massachusetts General Hospital. Is there a relationship between the gut mucosal-associated microbiome, intestinal neurotransmitters and behavior in individuals on the autism spectrum?
Natalia Battista, Ph.D., University of Teramo Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment. Cross-talk between food-borne Lactiplantibacillus (Lpb.) plantarum and the endocannabinoid system towards Autism Spectrum Disorder
Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, Ph.D., Arizona State University. Effect of Microbiota Transfer Therapy on Gut Mycobiota in Adults with ASD

Learn about ARI-funded gastrointestinal research

Autism Science Month Events

2023 ARI Scientific Think Tank

Since 1995, ARI has called together experts to discuss emerging autism research at its annual think tanks -- we marked our 28th year of these meetings last weekend in Chicago, IL. All year, and especially during Autism Science Month, we are honored to put words into action supporting the health and well-being of people affected by autism through innovative, impactful research and education.

Learn more about our Scientific Think Tanks

ARI's Impact Report is online now

Your Gift Matters:

April is Autism Science Month.

If you plan to give, thank you for keeping ARI on your list.

Earlier this year, we took time to pause and examine the impact ARI is working to provide the autism community. This gave us a chance to take stock of last year's initiatives and share our progress. Our latest impact report illustrates what we are doing to bring our mission to life.

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Stay Connected

Dr. Edelson's Editorial:

﻿Gastrointestinal Problems Common in Autism Linked to Gene Mutation that Affects Behavior

Recent ARI grant recipients researching gastrointestinal issues:

2023 ARI Scientific Think Tank

Gastrointestinal Problems Common in Autism Linked to Gene Mutation that Affects Behavior