Researchers discovered a bi-directional relationship between internalizing symptoms, social withdrawal, and gastrointestinal problems in children and teens on the autism spectrum, reporting the symptoms seem to impact one another simultaneously.
A new physiological test relies on an algorithm that analyzes metabolites in blood samples to predict whether a person has an ASD diagnosis. The algorithm was 94.7% effective in determining autism diagnosis and was slightly more reliable when co-occurring conditions, such as gastrointestinal disorders, were taken into account.
Gastrointestinal and immune disorders, along with sleep disruptions and seizures often co-occur at similar points of time in those diagnosed under the autism spectrum. Analyzing patterns in diagnosis of co-occurring medical conditions allowed for the identification of three subtypes of children with ASD. The findings could provide new insight into the mechanics of ASD.
Children who spend time playing outside in the sunshine have a 20% decreased risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease.
Arizona State University researchers claim microbiota transfer therapy reduces symptoms associated with autism and gastrointestinal problems for two years post-treatment. The study suggests MTT may be a promising option for helping to treat children with ASD who also have GI problems. The researchers stress further research, including double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trials with a larger cohort be carried out.
Researchers have developed a new system that allows for real time viewing of the enteric nervous system, and could provide a new way to identify gastrointestinal disorders.
