Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is arguably one of the most peculiar developmental conditions, although diagnoses may occur at any age [3]. Generally, people with ASD portray communication difficulties and have restricted interests as well as the tendency to malfunction in school, work, and social lives. Several studies exist that attempt to elucidate the nature, diagnosis, and adequate treatment of the disorder, with the greater majority of them focusing on the possible approaches that can help explain the microbiome [2] [4] [7]. This paper will address the vital concerns surrounding ASD and its appropriate medication and treatment for your child in view of several studies about the disorder.
First, allow me to inform you that several notions exist about the exact causes of ASD, with some lacking enough scientific proof to back them up. In the recent past, various scholars and researchers have made significant attempts to delineate the connection between the gut microbiome and behavior. Servick (2019) argues that there could be a considerable contribution of gut bacteria to autism in a patient like your child [6]. The argument is based, chiefly, on a series of tests made using mice which were pre-colonised with the same microbiomes to establish whether their offspring would portray possible signs of the disorder. It is crucial for you to know that other similar studies have shown a considerable correspondence of lower levels of bacterial species to mice with the autism derived microbiome [2] [4].
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It is crucial for you to understand that most animal models employed in autism-related studies are mice. A mouse-model is arguably the most effective approach when establishing the gut microbiome and autism connection. Typical studies involve investigating the second-generation mouse after colonizing rodents with donor samples of the disorder [1]. The researchers then analyze the mice sample, which may take the forms of feces, brains, or serum. Also, others elect to concentrate on the behavioral characteristics of the participant rodents. While these studies may prove efficient in assessing ASD, they are also prone to some substantial errors that may limit the accuracy of data from such research that one should consider before employing their suggested treatment approaches. Lowe (2019) highlights limitations such as the sample size whereby most experimental designs include ages ranging from 3 to 11 while ignoring other significant findings that may facilitate a better understanding of the disorder [7].
The applicability of FMT/probiotics for the treatment of autism is predicated on the understanding that there exists a link between gut microbes and ASD in a mouse model. In essence, studies that confirm this assumption also establish that compositional and structural shifts of microbes are the primary triggers of ASD symptoms [2] [5]. Moreover, these signs are considerably relieved by a Bacteroides fragilis probiotic, thereby prompting the therapeutic application of probiotics. Substantial evidence exists that proves the effectiveness of 4EPS in normal mice, which is understandably suggested for humans. While probiotics may be useful in treating ASD, there exists an argument on whether or not they should be regulated [3]. The Federal Drugs Agency (FDA) may control the drug as a dietary supplement, which is the form in which most suppliers of the drug sell it. However, since the drug’s intended use can be abused, it is crucial to formulate concise rules to regulate the supply of probiotics. Precaution should be taken when using the drug to treat ASD, as the current studies proving its effectiveness are primarily based on mouse models which as aforementioned, are subjected to limitations. The same safeguard should be followed when applying FMT treatment, which, as Sharon et al. (2019) argue, are still being patented [4].
Further, let me bring to your attention the several ASD advocacy networks that have emerged in the past two decades following the widespread awareness of the condition globally. The Autism Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is one of the major established setups whose principal objective is the advocacy of the same rights, opportunities, and access benefits to autistic people everywhere in the world. The organization operates as a non-for-profit and provides support in ways such as self-advocacy and community organizing as well as public policy. The network’s members enjoy benefits ranging from skills and knowledge on the various ASD health concerns as well as protection against exploitation at the workplace and the community at large.
In summary, I argue that research on the causal factors of ASD are limited, and it is, therefore, difficult to make reasonable conclusions on the most effective treatment means of the disease. The greater majority of existing studies are based on the mouse model, whose accuracy is challenged by several authors and reviews. However, a considerable number of studies show that probiotics are effective in treating the illness, so you could very well go ahead and apply them for your child.
References
[1] Gholipour, B. (2018). Statistical errors may taint as many as half of mouse studies.
[2] Hanage, W. P. (2014). Microbiology: microbiome science needs a healthy dose of scepticism. Nature News , 512 (7514), 247.
[3] Gilbert, J. A., Krajmalnik-Brown, R., Porazinska, D. L., Weiss, S. J., & Knight, R. (2013). Toward effective probiotics for autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Cell , 155 (7), 1446-1448.
[4] Sharon, G., Cruz, N. J., Kang, D. W., Gandal, M. J., Wang, B., Kim, Y. M., ... & Bramer, L. M. (2019). Human Gut Microbiota from Autism Spectrum Disorder Promote Behavioral Symptoms in Mice. Cell , 177 (6), 1600-1618.
[5] Kang, D. W., Adams, J. B., Coleman, D. M., Pollard, E. L., Maldonado, J., McDonough-Means, S., ... & Krajmalnik-Brown, R. (2019). Long-term benefit of Microbiota Transfer Therapy on autism symptoms and gut microbiota. Scientific reports , 9 (1), 5821.
[6] Servick, K. (2019). Gut bacteria may contribute to autism symptoms, mouse study finds . Science | AAAS . Retrieved 25 June 2019, from https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2019/05/gut-bacteria-may-contribute-autism-symptoms-mouse-study-finds
[7] Lowe, D. (2019). Autism Mouse Models for the Microbiome? In the Pipeline . Retrieved 25 June 2019, from https://blogs.sciencemag.org/pipeline/archives/2019/05/31/autism-mouse-models-for-the-microbiome
