Page 38 - HA Convention 2016 [Abstracts (Day 1)]

HOSPITAL AUTHORITY CONVENTION 2016 Masterclasses

M6.4 Autistic Spectrum of Diseases 14:30 Room 423 & 424

Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder in Hong Kong
Mo FYM
Department of Psychiatry, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, Hong Kong

Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex heterogenous neuro-developmental disorder characterised by deficits in social
reciprocity and communication skills, with also repetitive, rigid and stereotyped behaviours. The comorbidity is high including
physical comorbidities of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Literature review showed that children with ASD have GI symptoms
two to four times more than that of the comparison groups. The most common symptoms are constipation, diarrhea and
abdominal pain. All the ASD-GI studies in the past included Caucasian subjects only. Therefore in the current study we would
like to know about the prevalence and the correlates of GI symptoms in the Chinese population of children with ASD in Hong
Kong. We would also like to explore if (1) ASD with GI symptoms represents an ASD subtype; (2) the underlying etiological
implication (3) the complex gut-brain connection; and (4) possible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis involvement.

Tuesday, 3 May

M6.5 Autistic Spectrum of Diseases 14:30 Room 423 & 424

Executive Function Deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Lai E
Psychiatry Department, Castle Peak Hospital, Hong Kong

There are numerous theories put forward to explain the behavioural characteristics of individuals with autism spectrum
disorder. Apart from impaired theory of mind and weak central coherence, executive dysfunction is also hypothesised to be
central in underlying the deficits in this disorder.

Executive functions refer to the higher processes involved in goal-directed behaviour. It has been shown to predict school
readiness and academic achievement. Existing literature tends to suggest that individuals with ASD are impaired in verbal
working memory, spatial working memory, flexibility and generativity. Whereas the deficit in inhibition and planning may be
under the impact of comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Impaired social interaction may thus be conceptualised due to their inability to generate topics to maintain conversation or
impaired working memory to store and manipulate social information for effective social interaction. Being inflexible in shifting
attention may lead to restricted interests and stereotyped behaviour.

Given the malleability of executive functioning in childhood and adolescence, especially in working memory, more
emphasis should be laid in ameliorating the executive dysfunction and thereby improving their academic functioning and
outcomes. These deficits can be either accommodated or improved. Strategies at school had been widely advocated.
Computerised training also showed promising evidence in improving either the efficiency or capacity of executive functioning.
Other forms of indirect training such as aerobic exercising, mindfulness and musical training have also demonstrated modest
effect in improving executive functioning.

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