Autism spectrum disorder

Subject : Science and technology

Section :Health

Concept :

According to the World Health Organisation, ‘Autism spectrum disorder’ (ASD) affects one in 100 children .
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain.
The autism spectrum, often referred to as just autism, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or sometimes autism spectrum condition (ASC), is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and the presence of repetitive behavior and restricted interests.
Other common signs include unusual responses to sensory stimuli, and an insistence on sameness or strict adherence to routine.
Signs of autism usually appear by age 2 or 3. Some associated development delays can appear even earlier, and often, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months.
Research shows that early intervention leads to positive outcomes later in life for people with autism.
There is no cure for autism. There are many forms of therapy, such as speech and occupational therapy that may help autistic people.

Link between gut microbiome and Autism

Although the researchers have still not established the aetiology of ASD completely, there have been reports which say that the gut-brain axis could have a prominent role in causing ASD.
The gut microbiome is found to have a big impact on immune modulation and metabolic activities in humans and differences in gut microbiome composition have been seen with respect to various diseases such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease and autism.
Immune modulation refers to the actions undertaken by the immune system of the body to ensure its response is proportionate to a threat.

Gut Microbiome

‘Gut Microbiome’ is made up of the trillions of microorganisms and their genetic material that live in your intestinal tract.
These microorganisms, mainly comprising bacteria, are involved in functions critical to your health and wellbeing.

Faecal microbial transplantation (FMT)

Faecal microbial transplantation (FMT) is regarded as one of the most promising approaches to reverse gut dysbiosis.
Under FMT, stool samples from healthy individuals are transplanted into the large intestines of affected children.
A study conducted by Ohio State University in 2017 on FMT reported that the intervention improved both gastrointestinal and ASD-related symptoms.
FMT is also a cost-effective approach with minimal risk. However, there is a need to build consensus among all stakeholders in order to adopt it.