In this episode, hosts Drs. Peter Lu and Jennifer Lee talk to Dr. Kara Margolis about caring for autistic children with GI disorders. We discuss the relationship between autism and the GI tract, how GI disorders can present differently in autistic children, and ways to improve our clinical care for autistic children with GI disorders.

Dr. Margolis is a pediatric gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Health, Associate Professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and Director of the NYU Pain Research Center. She is one of the leading physician scientists in the study of children with disorders of gut-brain interaction and their relationship with autism spectrum disorder.

Learning Objectives:

1. Recognize the relationship between autism spectrum disorder and the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Understand ways to improve our clinical care for autistic children with GI disorders.
3. Understand the current evidence (or lack of) for probiotic supplements and dietary treatment for autistic children with GI disorders.

Links:

Hung, L. Y., & Margolis, K. G. (2024). Autism spectrum disorders and the gastrointestinal tract: insights into mechanisms and clinical relevance. Nature reviews. Gastroenterology & hepatology, 21(3), 142–163.

Buie, T., & Margolis, K. (2024). Considerations for treating autistic individuals in gastroenterology clinics. The lancet. Gastroenterology & hepatology, 9(8), 684–686.

Colliderscope Podcast Episode: Kara Margolis on the Importance of Kindness in the Lab

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As always, the discussion, views, and recommendations in this podcast are the sole responsibility of the hosts and guests and are subject to change over time with advances in the field.

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