Sep 23, 2025
If a child is regularly complaining of stomach pain, showing signs of constipation/diarrhea, or has bloating, raise it with a pediatrician.
A major study out of UC Davis reveals something many parents already suspected: children with autism are far more likely to suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) issues — and those issues tend to persist.
Over a sample of 475 kids (ages 2–12), including 322 autistic children and 153 typically developing peers, the research showed autistic children not only experienced more frequent GI symptoms (constipation, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain) but were also more likely to have multiple symptoms at once, and for those symptoms to persist through childhood.
What’s perhaps more concerning is how these GI problems are linked with other challenges: sleep difficulties, behavior issues, sensory sensitivities, communication delays. These connections suggest that digestive discomfort isn’t just about the stomach — it ripples outward, influencing rest, mood, ability to interact, and well-being.
So what can families do, and how might tools like Burble’s provide relief or support? Here are some ideas:
Monitor & advocate for GI health. If a child is regularly complaining of stomach pain, showing signs of constipation/diarrhea, or has bloating, raise it with a pediatrician. Even when doctors don’t find a clear medical cause, interventions (diet changes, hydration, gentle therapies) can help.
Sense & sleep matter. Because sleep is affected by both GI discomfort and sensory overload, calming, predictable sensory environments can soften the blow. That’s where Burble’s StoryTent and Sleep Mode shine: by gently dimming lights, reducing sound, and promoting a soothing environment, kids may find it easier to drift off — potentially reducing the sleep disturbances that often come with digestive issues.
Integration of care. Parents, therapists, gastroenterologists, nutritionists — all of these roles should coordinate. A child’s GI health, sleep routine, sensory environment, and emotional well-being are interlinked.
Empowering agency. Children with GI sensitivity often get overwhelmed by unpredictable sensations. Environments where they have some control — turning down light, choosing quieter soundscapes, moving away or settling into a calming zone — offer relief. Burble’s app and tent design prioritize settings children can influence, which can reduce distress and help them feel safer.