Abstract

This session will explore innovative, team-based approaches for the care of pediatric disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs), which include functional abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, and functional dyspepsia. Affecting up to 20% of children worldwide, these conditions are a leading cause of school absenteeism, psychosocial distress, and healthcare utilization. Despite their prevalence, structured, multidisciplinary care pathways are often lacking, resulting in delayed diagnosis, fragmented treatment, and high family burden.
Speakers from the Johns Hopkins Gastrointestinal Functional Treatment (GIFT) team will present an integrative model of care that combines gastroenterology, psychology, nutrition, and mind-body medicine. Presentations will address foundational concepts of the gut-brain axis, cognitive-behavioral and psychological tools, culturally sensitive nutrition and microbiome strategies, and the role of mind-body interventions and neuromodulation techniques.
Participants will engage in a moderated panel discussion to compare approaches across health systems, identify barriers to implementation, and explore opportunities to integrate traditional and community-based healing practices. The session will conclude with an experiential introduction to aromatherapy, acupressure, and massage techniques for GI pain and nausea, providing attendees with practical tools to take back to their clinical settings.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Describe the biopsychosocial model of pediatric DGBIs and its relevance to whole-person care.
Identify evidence-based behavioral, nutritional, and integrative interventions that can be adapted across cultural and health system contexts.
Develop strategies to create or enhance multidisciplinary care pathways for children with chronic GI pain.

Brief Overview
Pediatric Gut-Brain Disorders: A Global Dialogue on Whole-Person, Culturally Responsive Care
Join the Johns Hopkins GIFT team for a dynamic session on pediatric disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs), including functional abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome. This 90-minute program features short presentations on the gut-brain axis, mind-body medicine, psychological interventions, and nutrition strategies, followed by a moderated global panel and Q&A. The session concludes with an experiential introduction to aromatherapy, acupressure, and massage for GI pain and nausea, offering participants practical tools to implement in their own settings and fostering international dialogue on multidisciplinary, culturally responsive care models for children with chronic GI conditions.