Autism Spectrum Disorder, commonly known as Autism, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication and behavior in children.

Children with Autism may face several challenges such as communicating verbally or non-verbally, socializing with peers, repetitive behaviors, and routines. There is no known cause of Autism, but researchers have identified that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the manifestation of this disorder.

Recent research suggests that the connection between bowel microbiome and Autism may be one of the contributing factors to Autism. The human body contains a complex community of microorganisms, including bacteria, that live inside the body.

These microorganisms make up a person’s microbiome and play a crucial role in regulating several bodily functions.

What is Bowel Microbiome?

Bowel microbiome is a complex community of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that live in the human gut. The human gut contains over 100 trillion microorganisms, which collectively weigh around two kilograms.

This gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating several bodily functions such as digestion, immune function, and brain development.

Bowel microbiome is primarily composed of several species of bacteria. These bacteria are responsible for producing chemicals such as neurotransmitters and vitamins that have a significant impact on the body’s functions.

The microbiome is also responsible for regulating the immune response to several diseases.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, behavior, and social interactions in children. Autism is a spectrum disorder, and its severity may range from mild to severe.

Children with Autism may face several challenges such as difficulty communicating verbally or non-verbally, socializing with peers, repetitive behaviors, and routines.

The exact cause of Autism is unclear, but researchers have identified that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the manifestation of this disorder.

Some of the genetic factors that can contribute to Autism include mutations in genes that are essential in brain development and function. Meanwhile, environmental factors that can contribute to Autism include prenatal exposure to toxins and maternal infections.

Bowel Microbiome and Autism

The connection between bowel microbiome and Autism is a topic that has gained significant attention in recent years. Researchers have identified that children with Autism have different microbiome composition compared to children without Autism.

Children with Autism have less diversity in their bowel microbiome, and they have a higher abundance of some species of bacteria.

Studies have also identified that these imbalances in the bowel microbiome in children with Autism have been linked with gut dysfunctions, inflammation, and the production of potentially harmful substances.

These substances can cross the blood-brain barrier and negatively affect the proper functioning of the brain, resulting in the manifestation of Autism.

Bowel Microbiome and Brain Development

The human microbiome’s bidirectional communication with the brain has been an area of interest among researchers.

The production of neurochemicals and neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine by the microbiome can impact brain development and behavior. Therefore, changes in the microbiome composition can have a direct impact on the development of several neurological disorders such as Autism, anxiety, depression, and others.

The gastrointestinal tract plays a significant role in the communication between the microbiome and the brain. The microbiome produces chemicals that signal the brain, influencing the functions such as mood, cognition, and behavior.

Disruption in the microbiome composition, as seen in people with Autism, can affect the production of these chemicals, leading to the manifestation of Autism symptoms.

Probiotics and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Recent studies have explored the use of probiotics, which are live microorganisms, to modulate the gut microbiome of children with Autism. These studies have shown some beneficial effects of probiotic treatment in improving the symptoms of Autism.

Probiotic treatment has shown to increase the diversity of the microbiome in children with Autism, which was absent before treatment.

This increased diversity has improved gut function, reduced inflammation in the gut, and improved the child’s behavior and communication skills.

The Conclusion

The connection between bowel microbiome and Autism Spectrum Disorder is a topic that requires further research.

Many studies have shown that there is an association between the imbalances in the bowel microbiome composition and the manifestation of Autism. However, the exact mechanisms behind this connection are still unclear.

Further research is necessary to understand the role of the microbiome in brain development and the exact mechanisms by which the microbiome composition affects the functioning of the brain.

However, early studies on the use of probiotics in the treatment of Autism show promising results and offer a potential avenue for treatment and management of Autism Spectrum Disorder.