Katie Gilmartin

Ms. Katie Gilmartin

Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway, Galway, Ireland

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 April 2022 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
GLGeraldine Leader
Geraldine Leader
CACathal Abberton
Cathal Abberton
SCStephen Cunningham
Stephen Cunningham
KGKatie Gilmartin
Katie Gilmartin
MGMargo Grudzien
Margo Grudzien
AMArlene Mannion
Arlene Mannion
This systematic review aims to offer an updated understanding of the relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children and adolescents. The databases PsycINFO, Medline, Cinahl, and ERIC were searched using keywords, and relevant literature was hand-searched. Papers (n = 3319) were systematically screened and deemed eligible if they were empirical studies published in English since 2014 and measured the GIS of individuals with ASD who were under 18 years old. Thirty studies were included in the final review. The study findings were synthesized under eight themes, including the prevalence and nature of GIS and their relationship with developmental regression, language and communication, ASD severity, challenging behavior, comorbid psychopathology, sleep problems, and sensory issues. The review found that GIS were common and that there was contradictory evidence concerning their relationship with co-occurring conditions. It also identified evidence of some causal relationships that support the existence of the gut–immune–brain pathways. Future research needs to use large prospective designs and objective and standardized GIS measurements to provide a nuanced understanding of GIS in the context of ASD.