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.

Rady Children’s Health – Dr. Bassam Younes
https://choc.org/medical-staff/gastroenterology/bassam-younes-md
Corona – (714) 509-4099
Orange – (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
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. His 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 Health – Dr. Lillian Choi
rchsd.org/doctors/lillian-choi-md
San Diego – (858) 966-4003
Dr. Choi specializes in Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition.

UCLA Health – Dr. Terri E. Getzug
www.uclahealth.org/locations/westwood-digestive-diseases
100 Medical Plaza, Suite 345, Los Angeles
Los Angeles – (310) 206-6279
Her primary areas of interest are general gastroenterology, functional bowel disease, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, motility disorders, colon cancer screening and acid peptic disorders. She has extensive expertise treating patients with the gastrointestinal complications of scleroderma. Dr. Getzug is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology.