Thoughts on the article - "Do gut Microbes have a role in autism itself?” (The Guardian, 08/07/24).
This is one of those headlines that almost get dismissed off-hand. It sounds like it is made up and that it cannot have any basis in fact. Obviously, I am not a scientist, I can barely spell the word. I did get GCSE Sciences, so I know something. Not much. I had previously read an article that said autism can be diagnosed through analysis of poop. So, it was with less than an open mind that I read this article.
However, this is not the case. The article, written by Ian Sample, cites a study in the US that suggests a child with autism is 67% more likely to suffer from IBS than a neurotypical child. This is further backed by studies that show children, and later adults, with autism have a higher percentage of “gastrointestinal ailments” when compared to their peers. Chronic stomach ailments can in turn lead to a deterioration in an individuals mental health. I wonder if there is some link between gastrointestinal issues and to many autistic people, my 9yr old son included only eating a very limited number of “safe foods” with little variety. As I said, I am not an expert at all.
Ian Sample explains that gut bacteria, which I would presume you are born with, can have a “substantial effect on the brain” which can lead to “social anxiety disorders and depression”. A quick search on X would back up, anecdotally, that people on the spectrum do suffer from stomach problems. I think more research is needed but with scientist types “steadily pinpointing” which microbes and the “substances they produce”, it may prove beneficial, especially for those of us in the Neuroverse.
Historically, in the 1990s children who may have been classed as autistic or ADHD today were instead deemed allergic or sensitive to certain foods. In my youth I was given an extensive list of foods I needed to avoid as it was those that made me "hyper". This is the reason I still don’t eat raw tomatoes or oranges. The dieticians identified E Numbers that they said caused my hyperactivity. I had thought that this was debunked but after a little time on Google, it isn’t. Adding that to this idea of bacteria in the gut being a contributing factor it could potentially provide relief for some of the most pervasive challenges people on the spectrum face.
Finally, the article does confirm that 80% of causes of autism is genetic. If one, or both, biological parents are autistic then it is likely the child will be as well. I think that this potential bacteria in the gut may make symptoms worse in some cases and be part of the inherited biome of the stomach.
Conclusion
There is evidence to suggest there is some relationship between gut microbes and autism. What this relationship is however remains unclear. I am interested in seeing where this further research goes and hope it can prove beneficial. Overall, I was expecting to completely disregard this article however, it has actually opened my mind to some other possibilities.
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.
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