Real, peer-reviewed studies explained in plain English. Each one shows what was tested, what was found, why it matters for your person, and what to ask your doctor.
Gut-Brain Axis Meta-analysis Pediatrics, 2014
Gastrointestinal symptoms in autism spectrum disorder: a meta-analysis McElhanon BO, McCracken C, Karpen S, Sharp WG
In 60 seconds: Children with autism are several times more likely to have gut problems than other children.
Read the breakdown View on PubMed ↗ Gut-Brain Axis Open-label trial (small) Microbiome, 2017
Microbiota Transfer Therapy alters gut ecosystem and improves gastrointestinal and autism symptoms: an open-label study Kang DW, Adams JB, Gregory AC, et al.
In 60 seconds: Changing the gut bacteria improved both stomach symptoms and some autism related behaviors in a small group of children.
Read the breakdown View on PubMed ↗ Gut-Brain Axis Animal study (mechanistic) Cell, 2013
Microbiota modulate behavioral and physiological abnormalities associated with neurodevelopmental disorders Hsiao EY, McBride SW, Hsien S, et al.
In 60 seconds: In mice, a leaky gut and changed gut bacteria produced a molecule that altered behavior, and a probiotic reversed some of it.
Read the breakdown View on PubMed ↗ Sleep Randomized controlled trial Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 2017
Efficacy and Safety of Pediatric Prolonged-Release Melatonin for Insomnia in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Gringras P, Nir T, Breddy J, et al.
In 60 seconds: A slow-release melatonin helped children with autism fall asleep faster and sleep longer.
Read the breakdown View on PubMed ↗ Sleep Observational Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2016
Sleep and Behavioral Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Mazurek MO, Sohl K
In 60 seconds: Children with autism who sleep poorly tend to have more daytime behavior challenges.
Read the breakdown View on PubMed ↗ Immune & Inflammation Post-mortem tissue study Annals of Neurology, 2005
Neuroglial activation and neuroinflammation in the brain of patients with autism Vargas DL, Nascimbene C, Krishnan C, Zimmerman AW, Pardo CA
In 60 seconds: Brain tissue from people with autism showed signs of ongoing immune activation.
Read the breakdown View on PubMed ↗ Mitochondria & Metabolism Systematic review Molecular Psychiatry, 2012
A review of research trends in physiological abnormalities in autism spectrum disorders: immune dysregulation, inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and environmental toxicant exposures Rossignol DA, Frye RE
In 60 seconds: Across hundreds of studies, autism is linked with body-wide differences in immune, energy and oxidative stress systems.
Read the breakdown View on PubMed ↗ Mitochondria & Metabolism Randomized controlled trial (pilot) Biological Psychiatry, 2012
A randomized controlled pilot trial of oral N-acetylcysteine in children with autism Hardan AY, Fung LK, Libove RA, et al.
In 60 seconds: NAC, an antioxidant building block, reduced irritability in a small trial.
Read the breakdown View on PubMed ↗ Nutrition & Cofactors Randomized controlled trial Molecular Psychiatry, 2018
Folinic acid improves verbal communication in children with autism and language impairment: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial Frye RE, Slattery J, Delhey L, et al.
In 60 seconds: A form of folate improved verbal communication, especially in children with certain folate antibodies.
Read the breakdown View on PubMed ↗ Nutrition & Cofactors Randomized controlled trial Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2016
Randomized controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation in children with autism spectrum disorder Saad K, Abdel-Rahman AA, Elserogy YM, et al.
In 60 seconds: Vitamin D supplements improved some autism symptoms in children who were low in vitamin D.
Read the breakdown View on PubMed ↗ Nutrition & Cofactors Observational Nutrition & Metabolism, 2011
Nutritional and metabolic status of children with autism vs. neurotypical children, and the association with autism severity Adams JB, Audhya T, McDonough-Means S, et al.
In 60 seconds: Children with autism had different levels of several vitamins, antioxidants and metabolic markers.
Read the breakdown View on PubMed ↗ Sensory Processing Review Pediatric Research, 2011
Sensory processing in autism: a review of neurophysiologic findings Marco EJ, Hinkley LB, Hill SS, Nagarajan SS
In 60 seconds: The brains of people with autism process sound, touch and sight differently, which is measurable, not imagined.
Read the breakdown View on PubMed ↗ Studies are summarized for education only. Small or animal studies point to possible mechanisms, not proven treatments. Go to your doctor for a final analysis.