Abstract: Objective To explore the relationship between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and gastrointestinal problems. Methods 172 ASD children were investigated with self-made questionnaire from July, 2014 to Augest, 2015. The frequencies of motor behaviors, vocal behaviors and behavioral problems, and the intensity of the behavioral problems in the period with or without gastrointestinal symptoms were compared. Results The frequencies of motor behaviors (F=67.4, P<0.001), vocal behaviors (F=43.6, P<0.001) and behavioral problems (F=79.4, P<0.001), and the intensity of the behavioral problems (F=65.7, P<0.001) were all more in the period with gastrointestinal symptoms than without gastrointestinal symptoms. Conclusion There are more behavioral problems in the ASD children with the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms; while the behavioral symptoms may be a indicator of gastrointestinal problems in children with ASD.

Key words: autism spectrum disorder, gastrointestine, behavior, dysfunction