Association between pica and gastrointestinal symptoms in preschoolers with and without autism spectrum disorder: Study to Explore Early Development.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pica, the repeated ingestion of nonfood items, can result in gastrointestinal (GI) outcomes. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities (DDs) are disproportionately affected by both pica and GI symptoms. Study of the inter-relationship between pica, GI symptoms, and ASD/DD is limited.

Objective/hypothesis

We assessed associations between pica and GI symptoms in preschool-aged children with and without ASD and other (non-ASD) DDs in the Study to Explore Early Development.

Methods

Our sample included children with ASD (n = 1244), other DDs (n = 1593), and population (POP) controls (n = 1487). Data to define final case-control status, pica, and GI symptoms were from standardized developmental assessments/questionnaires. P

SUBMITTER: Fields VL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8504874 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature