Researchers found differences in the gut microbes of autistic people, raising hopes for faster diagnosis

Scientists have raised hopes for a cheap and simple test for autism after discovering consistent differences between the microbes found in the guts of autistic people and those without the condition.

The finding suggests that a routine stool sample test could help doctors identify autism early, meaning people would receive their diagnosis, and hopefully support, much faster than with the lengthy procedure used in clinics today.

“Usually it takes three to four years to make a confirmed diagnosis for suspected autism, with most children diagnosed at six years old,” Prof Qi Su at the Chinese University of Hong Kong said. “Our microbiome biomarker panel has a high performance in children under the age of four, which may help facilitate an early diagnosis.”

Rates of autism have soared in recent decades, largely because of greater awareness and a broadening of the criteria used to diagnose the condition. In the UK and many other western countries, about one in 100 people are now thought to be on the autism spectrum.

  • SavvyWolf@pawb.socialEnglish
    385·
    6 months ago

    Who’d have thought that a condition where one of the symptoms is having a restricted diet could result in a difference in gut chemistry?

    • girlfreddyOP
      52·
      6 months ago

      “Our microbiome biomarker panel has a high performance in children under the age of four, which may help facilitate an early diagnosis.”

      “Under the age of four” would indicate this test would be completed before dietary restrictions were put in place (except for those on far end of the spectrum who can often be diagnosed that young).

      • SavvyWolf@pawb.socialEnglish
        19·
        6 months ago

        Due to hypersensitivity, some autistic people have trouble eating certain foods; that’s what I meant. Probably could have phrased it better.

        • BorgDrone@lemmy.oneEnglish
          91·
          6 months ago

          Only some. I’m autistic and don’t have any problems with hypersensitivity to food.

          However, GI issues are a very common in autistic people. Differences in microbiome may very well be one of the causes of autism.

      • girlfreddyOP
        8·
        6 months ago

        I can’t eat beef or pork unless it’s ground up (burgers, sausages, etc) because it sits like a rock in my stomach for hours and hurts like hell. I eat mostly chicken and veggies to avoid that.

        But not everyone has restrictions.