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Behavioral problems directly affect the quality of life of caregivers and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and is known to be associated with clinical factors such as gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, sensory abnormalities, intellectual abilities, and use of medication. However, previous studies have not considered these relationships comprehensively. We conducted a cross‐sectional study of 6–12‐year‐old children with diagnoses of ASD and/or ADHD at two hospitals in Japan. Scores for the aberrant behavior checklist (ABC), autism‐spectrum quotient (AQ), and Conners 3, as well as information on daily sleep and exercise, GI symptoms, and Short Sensory Profile, were collected. Each factor was subjected to a correlation analysis to investigate its effect on ABC scores. A stepwise multiple linear regression analysis for the factors with p < 0.05 was performed. Data were obtained from 60 patients with a mean age of 8.3 years; 21 had ASD alone, 18 had ADHD alone, and 21 had ASD + ADHD. The correlation analyses identified six factors associated with ABC severity: (a) methylphenidate use, (b) Conners hyperactivity score, (c) Conners inattention score, (d) AQ score, (e) SSP score, and (f) GI symptom score. The multiple regression showed that “GI symptoms” and “sensory abnormalities” were independently associated with ABC severity. Although further studies are needed to show a causal relationship, appropriate assessment of GI symptoms and sensory abnormalities may help alleviate some problematic behaviors and improve the quality of life of children with neurodevelopmental disorders and their families. Lay summary Behavioral problems in children with neurodevelopmental disorders are known to be associated with many factors. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the known factors. We have discovered that “gastrointestinal symptoms” and “sensory abnormalities” were independently associated with Behavioral problems. Our results suggest that it is important for clinicians and caregivers to pay more attention to children's GI symptoms and sensory abnormalities that may not present as obvious symptoms or complaints.

We conducted a questionnaire survey in order to clarify how pharmacists are involved in the appropriate use of drugs for patients receiving enteral nutrition, based on its usage and the state of drug administration to these patients. The study involved hospital pharmacies belonging to 388 facilities in Osaka Prefecture, with the study period being between April 1, 2014 and May 31, 2014. The questionnaire inquired about the usage of enteral nutrition, and the state of drug administration to patients receiving it. Completed questionnaires were collected from 102 facilities (26.3％). Enteral nutrition was used in 99 facilities (97.1％). Liquid and semisolid forms of enteral nutrition were used in 83.8 and 53.5％ of the investigated facilities, respectively. In addition, in 37.4％ of the facilities, pharmacists were involved in proposing the form of enteral nutrition. Concerning dosage directions on oral drugs for patients receiving enteral nutrition, as well as concerning the actual timing of administering these drugs to them, the drugs were most commonly given as directed; however, they were also frequently given at different times. Pharmacists need to be closely involved in the usage of enteral nutrition, as well as in the regimens of concomitant drugs.

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