Flipping the gut microbiome-autism link on its head

Autism and gut microbiome graphic. Image: Chloe Yap. A new Australian collaborative Autism CRC study, led by Mater Research and The University of Queensland, has challenged the growing popular belief that the gut microbiome drives autism. The study's findings may put the brakes on the experimental use of microbiome-based interventions such as faecal microbiota transplants and probiotics, that some believe may treat or minimise autistic behaviours. The researchers found changes in the gut microbiome of people on the autism spectrum appear to be due to "fussy eating", which is more common among autistic children due to sensory sensitivities or restricted and repetitive interests. Lead author Chloe Yap from Mater Research and The University of Queensland said the team examined genetic material from stool samples of 247 children, including 99 children diagnosed with autism. "While it's a popular idea that the microbiome affects behaviour, our findings flip that causality on its head," said Ms Yap, who is completing her medical degree and PhD at UQ.