Cross-Cultural Differences in Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Sensory Responses in Individuals with Autism: A Comparison Between Spain and Colombia.

BACKGROUND

Between 40 and 70% of the population with autism have been found to suffer from functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). The emergence of FGIDs is related to lower quality of life and greater medical resources, somatization and emotional instability. There is a paucity of research available that examines gastrointestinal symptoms and sensory responses in individuals with autism in different countries and cultures. The aim of the present study is to compare the possible differences between gastrointestinal symptoms and sensory reactivity between two samples of individuals with autism from Spain and Colombia.

METHODS

Differences in gastrointestinal symptoms and sensory response were analysed between individuals with autism from Spain ( = 65; mean age = 8.91, SD = 4.02) and Colombia ( = 62; mean age = 10.16, SD = 5.31).

RESULTS

No differences were found as a function of age, sex and autism severity between Spanish and Colombian participants. More severe functional nausea and vomiting was reported by the Colombian sample when compared with the Spanish sample ( < 0.00, = 0.42). Similarly, greater sensory reactivity emerged in Colombian individuals with autism relative to Spanish individuals with autism.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to methodological limitations, sample size and other factors that could not be analysed in this research, it is not possible to draw conclusions about the influences of cultural or biological factors on gastrointestinal symptomatology and sensory reactivity among both autistic populations. This work could encourage more rigorous cross-cultural research in the future.