Study: The gut could be the key to early autism detection in toddlers
By oliviacook // 2025-04-22
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  • Children with autism have a distinct mix of gut bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microbes – a unique microbial "fingerprint" in their stool, different from neurotypical kids.
  • The study also looked at fecal archaea, fungi and viruses, revealing gut-based markers linked to autism.
  • Kids with ASD had reduced production of key molecules, like ubiquinone-7, a cell-protecting antioxidant, and thiamine diphosphate, vitamin B1's active form.
  • Machine learning spotted patterns in poop that predicted autism with up to 91 percent accuracy.
  • A simple stool test could one day open the door to earlier, personalized and targeted care.
A team of scientists has found that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a distinct "microbial signature" in their stool. That means their gut – the so-called "second brain" of the body – carries tiny biological clues that could help diagnose autism earlier and more easily than current behavioral tests, which often take years. This 2024 research, published in Nature Microbiology, looked at stool samples from more than 1,600 children across multiple countries. By using machine learning – a type of artificial intelligence (AI) – the scientists identified key differences in the gut ecosystems of children with and without autism. Their system could accurately flag ASD with over 90 percent accuracy. The digestive tract is more than just a food processor. It is a bustling microbial metropolis filled with trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other tiny life forms. Collectively, they help digest food, train the immune system and even influence how we think and feel through the gut-brain axis – a communication highway between the gut and the brain.

What's new in this study?

In children with autism, this microbial community looks noticeably different. Researchers found that kids with ASD had lower levels of certain helpful microbes, such as Streptococcus thermophilus (often found in yogurt) and fewer bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) – molecules known to reduce gut inflammation and support brain health. They also discovered disruptions in key metabolic pathways, including those responsible for making ubiquinol-7 (a potent antioxidant that protects cells) and thiamine diphosphate (an active form of vitamin B1, essential for brain energy). These biochemical "glitches" observed in the ASD group suggest their gut systems process energy and nutrients differently. Unlike previous research that mostly focused on gut bacteria, this study widens the lens to include fungi, viruses and archaea – a group of ancient, single-celled organisms. When all these were analyzed together, researchers were able to identify 31 distinct microbial and functional markers that could serve as reliable indicators of ASD. What's more, the microbial patterns were stable across children from Asia, Europe and the Americas. That means, despite differences in diets and environments, the same gut clues held up around the world, making this approach potentially useful for widespread diagnostic screening.

Why does this matter?

Diagnosing autism currently involves lengthy behavioral evaluations, and many children are not diagnosed until the age of four or older. But the earlier autism is detected, the sooner support therapies can begin, improving outcomes and reducing stress for families. This new method (comprehensive stool analysis) offers hope for a non-invasive, biologically based test that could identify signs of autism in toddlers – or even infants. While it is not a cure or replacement for full diagnostics assessments, it could be a powerful tool in a larger toolkit. Gut differences could contribute to how symptoms show up or interact with other genetic or environmental factors. Scientists noted that many children with autism are selective eaters, which might influence their gut microbiome – but even when adjusting for diet, the microbial markers still stood out. They also pointed that the microbial "software" – the gut's metabolic coding system – appears to run differently in children with autism, suggesting a broader systems-level disruption that might influence brain development and behavior.

What's next?

Researchers are now running clinical trials to explore whether modifying the gut – through diet, prebiotics or probiotics – might ease certain autism symptoms. The hope is to move beyond diagnosis and toward personalized, targeted care that supports both brain and gut health. This growing field of research is a powerful reminder that the brain does not work in isolation. Sometimes, the clues to understanding the mind starts in the most unexpected place: the gut. Watch this video to learn more about stool sample testing for autism treatment. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Gut-brain connection in individuals with autism CONFIRMED by scientific data. What's in your gut? Scientists have mapped the gut microbiome landscape. Study suggests your gut microbiome shapes your personality.

Sources include:

Nature.com Brighteon.com
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