Abstract
Children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental disabilities have a higher prevalence of gastrointestinal conditions compared to the general population due to structural and behavioral components. This chapter aims to provide a clinical guide in understanding the etiology of gastrointestinal processes and conditions, presentation in children with ASD and developmental disabilities, management in the medical home, utilization of referrals to gastroenterological specialists, and communication with families about evidence-based treatments.
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Acknowledgment
We would like to dedicate this chapter to the memory of Dr. Paul Hyman. Dr. Hyman was a friend and mentor and was a pioneer and leader in the field of pediatric gastroenterology. Dr. Hyman gained national and international recognition and in 2020 was honored with the Distinguished Service Award by the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN). Dr. Hyman was committed to improving the lives of his patients, contributing new research to the field to help the lives of others, and training students and fellows in the field of pediatric neurogastroenterology. Dr. Hyman specialized his research in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders, including pain-associated disability syndrome (PADS) and pediatric motility disorders. He believed in practicing and researching within the biopsychosocial model and in the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach in helping his most complex patients.
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Wallace, R., Glinky, A., Picone, J., Zwiener, R., Reuther, E. (2022). Pediatric Gastroenterology and Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Disabilities. In: McPherson, P. (eds) Handbook of Treatment Planning for Children with Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-06120-2_13
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