Eating and feeding problems and gastrointestinal dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorders

• We review the research on the relationship between eating problems and GI dysfunction in ASD.
• We discuss the unique issue of eating problems in ASD and the co-morbidity of GI dysfunction.
• Conclusions are drawn about the relationship between eating problems and GI dysfunction.

Eating and feeding problems, most commonly food selectivity or picky eating, are common among children with ASD. While these behaviors are typically addressed through occupational or behavior-based therapeutic approaches, increasing evidence shows than in many cases, such eating and feeding problems may be organic and stem from some form of underlying gastrointestinal dysfunction. This review highlights the literature on eating/feeding problems in children with ASD, as well as the contributing factors to eating problems and their nutritional implications in this population. In addition, the various manifestations and origins of gastrointestinal dysfunction in ASD are included. Ten relevant studies that address eating and feeding problems and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and dysfunction in children with ASD and the possible mechanisms underlying the eating/feeding problems in children with ASD are discussed. This review suggests a strong relationship and significant correlations between eating problems and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Further exploration of their relationship and etiology for the development of interventions are recommended.