We examined whether gastrointestinal disturbances and sleep could influence behavioral symptoms in children with ASD. The study included 169 ASD and 172 healthy subjects.
Sleep and GI problems were more prevalent in children with ASD and children with ASD and GI disorders reported more severe ASD symptoms and GI symptoms in ASD were associated with maternal sleep problems during pregnancy and high food demands from 0-6 months. Children with ASD and sleep disorders performed worse in daily living skills, social cognition and communication, and intellectual development compared to ASD without sleep disorders.
Year: 2017
Nationality: China
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