Researchers could soon use stool samples to detect Autism

A recent research has suggested a new way to detect autism spectrum disorder (ASD) — by studying poop.

Published in the journal Nature Microbiology, the researchers suggest that this method could change how we find ASD early, which is important for getting help sooner.

ASD is a condition that affects how people communicate and behave.

It can be hard to diagnose early because symptoms vary, and the usual tests aren't always clear.

Although the cause of ASD is unknown, it is believed to relate to a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors.

In the research, the scientists were looking at the connection between gut health and ASD.

They found that children with ASD often have different kinds of bacteria in their gut compared to kids without ASD.

By studying poop with advanced technology, researchers can saw these unique bacteria patterns.

The idea comes from the gut-brain link, where bacteria in the gut can affect brain development and behavior.

Scientists think that by studying these bacteria, they might find signs that could show someone has ASD. This could lead to a way to diagnose ASD early, based on biology instead of just behavior.

This approach might also help customize treatments. For example, if someone's gut bacteria show signs of ASD, doctors might suggest specific diets or probiotics tailored for them. This could improve how we treat ASD and help us learn more about what causes it.

"Our study showed that the diets of children with ASD can influence their gut bacteria. Even after adjusting for diet differences, we still found distinct gut microbiome differences in children with ASD compared to those without. To ensure our findings were accurate, we carefully matched children in our study based on similar characteristics, which strengthened the reliability of our results across different groups." Prof Qi Su at the Chinese University of Hong Kong said.

However, this method is still new and needs more research. Scientists have to confirm their findings with different groups of people and figure out how to use this method in clinics.

"Additionally, we analyzed two other common childhood conditions, eczema and ADHD, which also affect gut bacteria. Our research confirmed that the specific markers we identified for ASD were unique to ASD and did not overlap with these conditions. This highlights the specificity of our findings to autism spectrum disorder."

There were also ethical concerns, like how to protect people's privacy when studying their poop.

In conclusion, while using poop to find autism might sound unusual, it shows progress in understanding and treating ASD. It offers hope for finding ASD earlier and giving better care, which could really help people with autism and their families.