Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn and behave. Autism can be diagnosed at any age, however is most commonly diagnosed within the first two years of life.

Symptoms

Symptoms can differ widely from person to person with autism spectrum disorder. Many signs are related to communication/interaction behaviors or restrictive/repetitive behaviors including:

Reduced eye contact
Reduced facial expressions
Communication delays
Social interaction challenges
Reduced gesture usage
Repetitive behaviors

Rigid routine preference
Sensory sensitivity
Intense focus
Hyperactive, impulsive or inattentive behavior
Selective eating

Gastrointestinal symptoms include:

Constipation
Abdominal pain

Diarrhea
Bloating

Causes

Autism Spectrum Disorder has no one single cause. Symptoms and severity differ greatly from person to person making it complex to understand. Researchers are investigating a number of theories related to the development of autism spectrum disorder including links to genetics and environmental factors.

Treatment

There is no cure for Autism, nor one universal treatment option. Reducing challenging behaviors and improving quality of life are primary aims. Treatments differ based on severity of symptoms and personal needs. There are programs to support learning, communication, socialization, and developmental behavior. Additionally, medication can help to manage symptoms.

Microbiota Therapy Research

ACT research partners at the University of Minnesota and Arizona State University have completed multiple clinical trials to understand the impact of Microbiota Transplant Therapy on Autism and associated gastrointestinal symptoms in patients. To learn more about the Autism Research Center at Arizona State University, visit: https://autism.asu.edu/.

Clinical Trial: MTT for Children with ASD Who Have Gastrointestinal Disorders
Trial Location: Arizona State University – Tempe, AZ
Trial Status: Underway
Trial Summary:
A phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial is underway at Arizona State University where researchers are investigating the role of microbiota transplant therapy in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder and gastrointestinal issues.
For more information, visit: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04182633.
Clinical Trial: Microbiota Transfer Therapy for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Who Have Gastrointestinal Disorders (MTT-ASD)
Trial Location: Arizona State University – Tempe, AZ
Trial Status: Underway
Trial Summary:
A phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial is underway at Arizona State University where researchers are investigating the role of microbiota transplant therapy in adults with autism spectrum disorder and gastrointestinal issues.
For more information, visit: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03408886.
Clinical Trial: Microbiota Transplant Therapy for Children with Both Autism Spectrum Disorder and Gastrointestinal Disorders
Trial Location: Arizona State University – Tempe, AZ
Trial Status: Underway
Trial Summary:
A phase II randomized, placebo-controlled trial is underway at Arizona State University. Researchers are investigating the use of Microbiota Transfer Therapy on individuals with autism spectrum disorder who also have gastrointestinal issues (constipation, diarrhea, and/or abdominal pain).
For more information, visit: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06503978.
Clinical Trial: Beneficial Bacteria Treatment for Autism (BBT)
Trial Location: Arizona State University – Tempe, AZ
Trial Status: Completed
Trial Summary:
A phase 1 clinical trial was conducted at Arizona State University to investigate the impact of Microbiota Transplant Therapy on Autism and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with Autism. The trial found a 50% reduction in Autism symptoms two years after transplant therapy.
For more information, visit: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02504554.
To read the clinical trial publication, visit: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-42183-0.