Food Selectivity as a Driver of Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Constipation in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

This cross-sectional study of 105 Turkish children with ASD found that 41% exhibited constipation, with food selectivity—particularly limited dietary variety—positively correlated with both overall GI symptom severity and constipation severity. The findings emphasize the clinical importance of assessing and addressing restrictive eating patterns and dietary diversity as part of GI symptom management in autistic children.