GUT MICROBIOME IMBALANCES IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Autism is a serious disorder of normal developmental processes that appears in the first two years of life. It affects language, cognition, social development and adaptive skills, causing increasing delays compared to children of the same age. The number of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders is increasing, which is very worrying. The gut microbiome plays an important role in everyday life and ensures the proper functioning of the human body. In recent years, promising research has been conducted to better understand autism, including its possible causes or the development of new treatments and interventions. Many scientists are interested in how the gut microbiome might be linked to autism spectrum disorder. We conducted a study to identify whether there is a causal link between intestinal transit disorders, namely chronic constipation, the presence of behavioral disorders and the existence of an imbalance in the intestinal microbiome. In order to participate in this research, parents of children with autism spectrum disorders signed a consent agreement. Intestinal microbiome analyses were performed for 16 children and young people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, aged between 3 and 17 years. The results obtained were analyzed using the SPSS 20 statistical program. Children and young people with ASD participating in the research have imbalances in the intestinal microbiome. This can also be influenced by inadequate nutrition and further research should be conducted to emphasize the connection between nutrition and the microbiome. Due to inadequate nutrition, specific nutrients important for effective learning, social and intellectual development may be missing. Children with ASD tend to have a limited food repertoire and a greater reluctance to eat certain foods compared to neurotypical children. Modulating the gut microbiota in individuals with ASD and gastrointestinal disorders should be a promising target for future medical research. Diet plays an important role in determining the composition and function of the gut microbial community; therefore, a selective diet may influence the gut microbial community. Probiotics have recently been used in several clinical trials as an adjunct to conventional therapy in patients with autism spectrum disorders and we believe that they have a beneficial role for the gut microbiome.