Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by impairments in social communication and interaction, sensory abnormalities, repetitive behaviours and varying degrees of intellectual disability. Though it can affect people of any age, its general exhibition is in the first two years of life. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to it. In India, the prevalence of autism in the one to ten years age group is anywhere between one to one and a half per cent- which is much higher than the average in Asia (0.4%) or the world (0.6%).
Gut microbiota (bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses, that live in the digestive tracts) communicate with the central nervous system via the enteric nervous system (the network of neurons and cells that controls digestion) and the vagus nerve which is the body’s longest cranial nerve thereby influencing cognitive, behavioural, neurological and psychological functions. This communication, known as the gut-brain axis, involves different pathways.
A study published in the British Medical Journals Paediatrics Open points out that probiotics can help with this communication. While they offer relief from digestive issues like constipation, diarrhoea, and bloating (often experienced in autism) they can also improve behavioural issues.
Conducted by Continua Kids, the research involved 180 children aged two to 9 from clinics across Delhi, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, Noida, and Faridabad, from 2021 to 2023 and investigated the gut-brain connection and its impact on ASD symptoms.
Results showed a 47.77% decrease in overall behavioural symptoms, a 40% reduction in social withdrawal, 37.77% decrease in repetitive behaviours, 34.44% reduction in hyperactivity, and 32.22% decrease in inappropriate speech.
Dr Himani Narula Khanna, Developmental Behavioural Paediatrician, Adolescent Mental Health Expert, and Co-Founder of Continua Kids said that parents of autistic children are constantly seeking ways to enhance their child's quality of life. Probiotic supplementation can serve as a valuable complement to behavioural therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, special education, and counselling. However, further studies would be needed before it can be made a part of established clinical practice.