Gastroenterologist

Children and adults on the Autism Spectrum can experience chronic stomach and digestive problems, including constipation, diarrhea, bloating, frequent stomach aches, GERD (acid reflux), and, in some cases, ulcers or ulcerated esophagus. Research shows that nearly half of autistic individuals have some form of gastrointestinal (GI) difficulty, with constipation being the most common concern, followed by abdominal pain and diarrhea. These issues can affect more than just physical health—they often influence behavior, sleep, appetite, and overall regulation. When someone is in pain or discomfort, they may show it through increased anxiety, irritability, meltdowns, self‑injury, food refusal, or changes in sleep, especially if communicating discomfort with words is difficult. Because of this, finding GI doctors experienced with complex Autism is essential for identifying underlying medical issues and ensuring compassionate, accessible care.

Dr. Brynie Collins
www.pedsgidoc.com
Encino – (818) 905-6600
Dr. Brynie Collins is a board-certified Pediatric Gastroenterologist specializing in the care of infants, children, and young adults with gastrointestinal, liver, and nutritional disorders. Her outstanding academic training has enabled her to become an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders and preventive medicine. In addition, Dr. Collins has unique training in caring for children with Autism and related GI disorders.

CHOC Health Center – Dr. Bassam Younes
https://choc.org/medical-staff/gastroenterology/bassam-younes-md/
Corona – (714) 509-4099
Orange -1(888) 483-5670
Dedicated to treating and researching all gastrointestinal disorders, Dr. Bassam Younes is involved in numerous research projects. He serves as a coinvestigator in several multicenter studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of new drug treatments for pediatric patients with Crohn’s disease; he is involved in a study evaluating interfaced treatment for inflammatory bowel disease and is involved in CHOC’s research on anti-interleukin-5 therapy for eosinophilic esophagitis.

Kaiser Permanente- Anaheim Kraemer- Dr. Erica Duh
Anaheim
https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/southern-california/physicians/erica-duh-1748430#medical-group-link-section
Accepting new patients. Available by referral only.

Kaiser Permanente Tustin Executive Center – Dr. Phyllis Agran
Tustin – (714) 734-5500
As a recognized expert in pediatric gastroenterology, Dr. Phyllis Agran has practiced in the Orange County community for more than 30 years. She has worked in collaboration with Margaret Bauman, treating patients with an Autism diagnosis and presenting with non-traditional symptoms of gastrointestinal issues. She is board-certified in both general pediatrics and pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition (American Board of Pediatrics). She participates in maintaining the certification program. Dr. Agran is a member of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHN). She is a professor emeritus in the Department of Pediatrics at the UC Irvine School of Medicine.

Loma Linda Gastroenterology- Dr. Khyati Mehta, MD
https://lluh.org/provider/mehta-khyati
Loma Linda and Upland – (909) 558-3904
Pediatric gastroenterology. In addition to her board certifications in general pediatrics and pediatric gastroenterology, she has been a diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine since 2020.

Loma Linda Gastroenterology- Dr. Mallory Cohen
https://lluh.org/provider/cohen-mallory
Loma Linda – (909) 558-3904
Pediatric Gastroenterology.

Rady Children’s Health-Dr. Ken Grant
https://choc.org/medical-staff/gastroenterology/kenneth-grant-md/
Orange – (714) 462-1837
Dr. Grant specializes in the treatment and management of pediatric gastrointestinal disorders. He holds leadership roles supported by his expertise in clinical informatics. Dr. Grant’s clinical interests include nutrition, growth and development, Autism, and inflammatory bowel disease. Dr. Grant leads the CHOC Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program and engages in numerous research efforts, including drug trials, care models, research on disparities, and population health.

Rady Children’s Specialists of San Diego – Dr. Lillian Choi
rchsd.org/doctors/lillian-choi-md/
San Diego – (858) 966-4003
Dr. Chio specializes in Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition.

Autism Society Options Policy

This Resource Guide was developed to provide families and professionals with an opportunity to find resources related to autism in the Inland Empire in one place.

All information provided or published by the Autism Society Inland Empire is for information purposes only. Specific treatment, therapy or services should be provided to an individual only at the direction of the individual’s doctor, caregiver, or other qualified professional. References to any treatment or therapy option, program, service, or treatment provider are not an endorsement by the Autism Society. References of treatments, therapies, programs, services, and/or providers are not intended to be comprehensive statements. You should investigate alternatives that may be more appropriate for a specific individual. The Autism Society assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information published or provided. The Autism Society Inland Empire provides information, but it does not constitute medical or legal information. Referrals provided are suggestions to organizations that might help, but do not constitute a recommendation. The Autism Society Inland Empire cannot be held responsible for consequences that arise from individual dealings with a professional or organization. The inclusion of any organization does not imply endorsement, and omission does not imply disapproval. The Autism Society Inland Empire may add or remove organizations from this list at its discretion.