ACT in action.

A simple urine test could change how Autism is diagnosed. Arizona State University researchers have identified a consistent pattern of gut metabolites, yeast, and fungal markers in children with Autism, a discovery that may enable earlier, easier detection.

In this first-ever, double-blind clinical trial, ASU researchers demonstrated that microbiota transplant therapy, which first uses antibiotics to eliminate bad bacteria from the intestines and then replaces it with healthy bacteria, reduces gastrointestinal symptoms and other symptoms in people with autism, as well as in children with Pitt-Hopkins.

A long term study investigating the impact of microbiota therapy on Autism Spectrum Disorder symptoms was completed at the Arizona State University. The treatment protocol included antibiotics, a bowel cleanse, and a high dose of Intestinal Microbiota Transfer. Prior to treatment, 83% of the children were classified as “severe” on the autism spectrum. At the two-year post-treatment follow up, only 17% classified as severe and 44% of the children fell below the Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnostic cut-off point.

Transforming the microbial environment in the guts of children diagnosed with autism could significantly ease the severity of their condition’s signature traits, according to newly published research.