Can gut bacteria help diagnose autism in kids? Here’s what a new study means

Often it is difficult to diagnose autism in children because of wide variations in the type and severity of symptoms, which we call spectrum. So there is not one test that can diagnose this neurological and development disorder in children. Also, because of overlapping symptoms with other behavioural disorders, early diagnosis within the first few years gets delayed. But now a recent study shows that it can be diagnosed with gut bacteria.

What the study found

It tracked gut microbiota or gut microbiome, which are microorganisms, including bacteria, fungus, virus and their genes that live in our digestive tract. Researchers analysed over 1,600 stool samples of normal and autistic children, aged between one and 13, to identify several biological markers. They found 31 changes in the gut microbiome associated with autism. “This means the gut check can be used for diagnosing the condition along with or instead of genome sequencing, medical history and brain scan,” says Dr Yogesh Shouche, Deputy Director, SKAN Research Trust, Bengaluru. “Changes in the gut microbiome are linked to obesity, diabetes and neurological disorders like Parkinson’s. So they can work for autism, too,” he adds.

Lead study author and Chinese molecular biologist Dr Qu Si has said that a tool based on these biomarkers can help professionals diagnose autism sooner and give children access to treatments that are more effective at a younger age.

What are current diagnostic tools for autism?

“Since this neurodevelopmental disorder has different symptoms, characterised by deficits in social communication and restricted or repetitive behaviour, current testing is elaborate,” says Dr Archana Kadam, Consultant Developmental Pediatrician, KEM and Jehangir Hospital, Pune. Doctors depend upon parental interviews and observations like the CARS (The Childhood Autism Rating Scale). One current screening tool involves a questionnaire given to parents of children between 16-30 months of age. Yet another one is the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R), a parent interview and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – Second Edition,( ADOS-2) a semi-structured standardized assessment instrument that includes a number of play-based activities. “These are gold standard diagnosis tools now,” says Dr Kadam.

Why we need to look into children’s gut issues

“Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as constipation, bloating and intolerance to some foods. Altered gut microbial flora along with metabolic and inflammatory responses may impact the way genes function in these children, leading to cognitive and behavioural difficulties,” says Dr Kadam. However, she feels more research is needed to discover how the gut microbiota can be targetted through therapeutic and dietary interventions. For instance cutting down on wheat, milk, preservatives and sugars. “Having healthy homemade foods rich in protein, Omega 3 fatty acids and vitamins can help. Include fresh fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, nuts, seeds, fish and legumes,” says Dr Kadam.

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