Does Autism Come with Gastrointestinal Issues?

Autism generally does not cause gastrointestinal problems, but some autistic patients may exhibit gastrointestinal symptoms. If you suspect yourself of having autism, it is recommended to promptly visit a hospital for relevant examinations to confirm the diagnosis. Autism is a mental health disorder that mainly manifests as varying degrees of social interaction difficulties, language development disorders, narrow interests, and rigid behavioral patterns. Most autistic patients will exhibit symptoms such as delayed language development and lack of response to others in the early stages. As the condition progresses, social interaction difficulties, communication barriers, and intellectual disability may also occur. However, autism usually does not lead to gastrointestinal problems, so autistic patients generally do not have gastrointestinal issues. But if the condition of an autistic patient is severe, it may lead to a decrease in the body's immune system, making them more susceptible to bacterial infections that can induce gastroenteritis, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. In such cases, it is necessary to take medications such as amoxicillin capsules and cefixime capsules as prescribed by a doctor. Autistic patients with other concurrent diseases may have gastrointestinal problems. For example, the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection may cause chronic gastritis, resulting in symptoms such as upper abdominal pain and a sense of fullness. In such cases, it is necessary to take medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated tablets and amoxicillin capsules as prescribed by a doctor. Parents should pay close attention to their children's changes in daily life and encourage them to participate in outdoor activities, which can help improve their resistance.