A new study published in Nature Communications suggests that gut imbalances in children with autism may be responsible for disruptions in neurotransmitter production, leading to behavioral symptoms. Researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) found a correlation between gut metabolites and brain activity in children with autism.
The study analyzed stool samples from 43 children with autism and 41 neurotypical children aged 8-17 to identify changes in gut bacteria that break down food. The researchers then compared these findings to brain imaging data and behavioral characteristics of the children.
According to lead author Lisa Aziz-Zadeh, the “gut-brain” axis plays a crucial role in autism. “We demonstrated that gut metabolites impact the brain, and the brain acts as the intermediary between gut health and autism-related behaviors.” The study’s findings suggest that targeting the gut may be an effective way to alleviate symptoms of autism.
The gut-brain connection is not new, but this research adds to the growing evidence of its importance in autism. Aziz-Zadeh noted that 90% of neural signals between the gut and brain travel from the gut to the brain, highlighting the close relationship between the two systems.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-gut-brain-link-affect-behavior.html