Abstract
Objective: To evaluate how gastrointestinal alterations affect the quality of life of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Literature review: Children from the autistic spectrum present food selectivity and are limited to a diet restricted to smells, colors, flavors and temperatures, tending the strong preference for carbohydrates and processed foods, which can lead to a high obesity rate in this group. Based on studies already done, children with ASD have four times more gastrointestinal symptoms associated with a compromise of the intestinal microbiota, when compared to children with typical development. With the disregulation of the microbiota-intestine-brain axis, behavioral cognitive changes may occur, favoring symptoms such as anxiety, stress and mood swings. Final considerations: Aiming to reduce the influence of gastrointestinal discomfort on the patient's quality of life, nutritional therapy with foods often deficient in children with ASD may be an efficient treatment option for gastrointestinal and behavioral symptoms, although this therapy is hampered by high food selectivity in these children. However, more studies are needed to better understand which diets would bring better benefits together to greater treatment adhering.