Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are recognized as central neurodevelopmental disorders diagnosed by impairments in social interactions, communication and repetitive behaviours. The recognition of ASD as a central nervous system (CNS)-mediated neurobehavioural disorder has led most of the research in ASD to be focused on the CNS. However, gastrointestinal function is also likely to be affected owing to the neural mechanistic nature of ASD and the nervous system in the gastrointestinal tract (enteric nervous system). Thus, it is unsurprising that gastrointestinal disorders, particularly constipation, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, are highly comorbid in individuals with ASD. Gastrointestinal problems have also been repeatedly associated with increased severity of the core symptoms diagnostic of ASD and other centrally mediated comorbid conditions, including psychiatric issues, irritability, rigid–compulsive behaviours and aggression. Despite the high prevalence of gastrointestinal dysfunction in ASD and its associated behavioural comorbidities, the specific links between these two conditions have not been clearly delineated, and current data linking ASD to gastrointestinal dysfunction have not been extensively reviewed. This Review outlines the established and emerging clinical and preclinical evidence that emphasizes the gut as a novel mechanistic and potential therapeutic target for individuals with ASD.

自闭症谱系障碍 (ASD) 被认为是一种中枢神经发育障碍，通过社交互动、沟通和重复行为障碍来诊断。自闭症谱系障碍 (ASD) 是一种中枢神经系统 (CNS) 介导的神经行为障碍，这使得大多数自闭症谱系障碍 (ASD) 研究都集中在中枢神经系统 (CNS) 上。然而，由于自闭症谱系障碍的神经机制性质和胃肠道的神经系统（肠神经系统），胃肠功能也可能受到影响。因此，胃肠道疾病，特别是便秘、腹泻和腹痛，在自闭症谱系障碍患者中高度共病也就不足为奇了。胃肠道问题也反复与自闭症谱系障碍和其他中枢介导的合并症诊断的核心症状的严重程度增加相关，包括精神问题、易怒、僵化强迫行为和攻击性。尽管自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）胃肠道功能障碍及其相关行为合并症的患病率很高，但这两种情况之间的具体联系尚未明确界定，并且目前将自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）与胃肠道功能障碍联系起来的数据尚未得到广泛审查。本综述概述了已建立的和新出现的临床和临床前证据，强调肠道是自闭症谱系障碍患者的新机制和潜在治疗靶点。