Autism and Gut Health: Debunking Myths and Advancing Treatment Strategies - Dr Vittal Kumar Kesireddy
A lot has changed in the last few decades when it comes to what we know about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It has been known for a long time that genes and brain chemistry play a big part.
However, fresh studies reveal a strong link between the gut and the brain. Our understanding of autism and how to treat it is changing because of this link between the gut and the brain. It gives parents and doctors new hope.
How to find the gut-brain link?
The gut-brain axis links the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to the brain and the spinal cord, allowing them to communicate with each other. The immune system, hormones, and nervous system all work together in this complicated system, and gut bacteria is an important part of it all.
The number and types of germs in the stomach impact how the brain grows, the immune system works, and the mood system works. All of these things are often dysregulated in kids with ASD.
Studies show that kids with autism often have issues with their digestive system, such as not being able to go to the bathroom, having diarrhoea, being bloated, or being sensitive to certain foods.
These issues aren't just happening by chance; they show that gut health and brain growth are linked in a deeper way. More intestinal permeability (also called "leaky gut"), changes in the microbiota of the gut, and inflammatory reactions are some of the things that are being studied to see if they may have something to do with ASD.
The connection between the gut and the brain in autism has been brought to light by a recent case in my practice. A six-year-old child who was diagnosed with ASD had major stomach issues and issues with how they thought and behaved. Since traditional treatments weren't working very well, we began to look into ways to improve gut health.
A full treatment plan was tailored for the child. It included probiotics, gut-focused medicines, and changes to the food that could be eaten. The child made a lot of progress in talking, paying attention, making friends, and getting along with others in just six months. He also had a reduction in tummy troubles.
This is just one case, but it shows how treatments for gut health might help with handling ASD symptoms.
Myths About Autism and Gut Health
1. That "Probiotics Alone Can Cure Autism" is not true.
Probiotics may be good for your gut health, but ASD is a difficult condition that needs a lot of different kinds of treatment, such as medical care, behavioural therapy, and occupational therapy.
2. Dietary changes work for everyone
While some kids do better on gluten-free, casein-free, or elimination diets, not all of them do. Always talk to your doctor before making any changes like these.
3. Gut Issues Are a Consequence, Not a Cause
The relationship is bidirectional. Research shows that microbial imbalances can also make symptoms worse, even if some gut problems are caused by ASD-related habits like restricted diets.
What's Next in Paediatric care of Autistic Children?
This study of the gut-brain link is still very new, but it will change the way we care for children in big ways. Future research will find specific microbiome traits that are linked to ASD.
This will make it possible for targeted treatments based on probiotics or microbiomes. Gut health could be a big part of personalized treatment, which could change how ASD kids are cared for.
We can care for people with autism in a more holistic manner now that we know about the gut-brain axis. As we wait for stronger evidence, it might really help to check the gut health of children with ASD as part of their normal care.
For now, the best things you can do to help autistic kids are to make sure they eat well, drink enough water, and get help for stomach problems as soon as possible.
Dr Vittal Kumar Kesireddy (MBBS, MD (Paediatrics), Fellow in Neonatology) is a seasoned Consultant and the In-Charge of the Department of Paediatrics at CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, with over 14 years of experience. He holds an MBBS degree from SRM Medical College, Chennai, an MD in Paediatrics from ASRAM Medical College, Eluru, and a Fellowship in Neonatology from Omni RK Hospitals - Giggles, Visakhapatnam. Dr Kesireddy specializes in preterm care and neonatology, showcasing expertise in procedures such as intubation, ventilator management (including conventional and high-frequency methods), nasal CPAP, chest tube placement, thoracentesis, paracentesis, umbilical catheter placement, and arterial catheterization. His significant contributions to paediatric care include conducting workshops on mechanical ventilation and the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP). Additionally, he has teaching experience at the District Early Intervention Centre and has undertaken research on early nasal CPAP versus mechanical ventilation with surfactant. Recognized for his work in antibiotic stewardship in NICUs and the management of extremely low birth weight babies, Dr Kesireddy's accolades reflect his commitment to advancing neonatal and paediatric care.