Press Release: CUHK Discovers Children with Autism Have Delayed Gut Microbiome Maturity and Identifies Faecal Bacterial Markers for Autism

We investigated the developmental trajectory of the gut microbiome in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and uncovered significant delays in microbial maturation compared to neurotypical peers. Our findings, recently published in Gut, highlight the potential of faecal bacterial markers for non-invasive early diagnosis and future therapeutic strategies.

Study Design and Key Findings

We analyzed stool samples from 128 Chinese children aged 3–6, half of whom had ASD. Using metagenomic profiling, we observed:

• Delayed microbiome maturity in children with ASD, independent of diet.

• Reduced abundance of bacteria linked to neurotransmitter activity, suggesting impaired gut-brain signaling.

• Five unique bacterial species enriched in ASD cases, not typically found in neurotypical children.

• Over 80% sensitivity of these bacterial markers in identifying ASD.

Notably, several Clostridium species were enriched in ASD samples. These bacteria are known to produce neurotoxic metabolites and have been previously implicated in ASD pathophysiology.

Implications for Diagnosis and Intervention

Our data support the hypothesis that gut microbiome development during early childhood is a critical window for neurodevelopment. The delayed maturation and altered microbial composition in ASD may contribute to symptom onset and severity.

We propose that faecal bacterial profiling could serve as a non-invasive tool for early ASD screening. Furthermore, microbiota-targeted therapies aimed at restoring neurotransmitter-producing bacteria may offer new avenues for intervention.

Looking Ahead

This study underscores the importance of the microbiome–gut–brain axis in ASD and opens the door to precision diagnostics and therapeutics. We are currently expanding our research to validate these findings in larger cohorts and explore microbiome modulation strategies.