The Gut-Brain Connection: How New Autism Therapies Are Changing Lives

Could Your Child’s Gut Health Be Affecting Their Autism Symptoms?

If your child has autism, you’ve likely navigated a world of therapies, interventions, and medical advice. But what if part of the answer to improving autism symptoms lies in a surprising place—the gut? 

This week on The Autism Weekly Podcast, we sat down with Dr. James Adams, a leading autism researcher and a father to an autistic daughter, to discuss groundbreaking innovations in autism therapies. His research explores how gut health directly affects brain function and behavior in individuals with autism. 

He’s also working on treatments, including Microbiota Transplant Therapy (MTT), that could be a game-changer for families looking for ways to support their child’s overall well-being. 

Let’s talk about what this means for your family and how gut health could be a missing piece in your child’s autism care plan.  

How Are the Gut and Brain Connected? 

Dr. Adams explains that around 80 percent of children with autism have some form of gut issue—whether it’s constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or hidden infections. These gut problems aren’t just uncomfortable; they can actually release toxins that affect brain function. 

These toxins can: 

• Disrupt serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters affecting mood and focus 

• Increase anxiety, irritability, and/or hyperactivity 

• Impact sleep, sensory sensitivity, and cognitive function 

Imagine feeling unwell every day without being able to communicate it. It’s no surprise that gut issues can lead to worsened autism symptoms and behavioral challenges. 

Dr. Adams encourages parents to watch for these signs of potential gut-related issues in their child with autism: 

• Irregular bowel movements – Constipation (pooping less than every two days) or chronic diarrhea 

• Foul-smelling stools – A sign of bacterial overgrowth or poor digestion 

• Frequent stomach pain or bloating – Your child may hold their stomach, avoid eating, or struggle with discomfort 

• Unexplained mood swings or regressions – Sudden anxiety, hyperactivity, or irritability with no clear trigger 

• Giggling for no reason – This could be a sign of yeast overgrowth in the gut, which produces chemicals affecting the brain 

One of the most exciting areas of Dr. Adams’ research is Microbiota Transplant Therapy (MTT). 

This treatment works by restoring the balance of good bacteria in the gut, essentially "resetting" it with healthy microbes from a donor. His studies have shown promising results, including: 

• 80 percent improvement in gut health 

• 47 percent reduction in autism symptoms 

• Some children moving from severe to mild autism on diagnostic scales 

Even more remarkable is that these improvements continued for two years after treatment. 

While MTT is not yet widely available, Dr. Adams and his team are working toward FDA approval. In the meantime, parents can take simple steps to support their child’s gut health at home. 

Here are some simple, research-backed strategies to start improving your child’s gut health: 

• Improve diet: Increase fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) and reduce processed foods 

• Encourage hydration: Water helps keep digestion moving smoothly 

• Increase movement: Physical activity helps prevent constipation 

• Consider probiotics: Some probiotics have been shown to improve gut health in autism 

• Try Epsom salt baths: Magnesium sulfate can support detoxification and relaxation 

Dr. Adams and his team are pushing forward with research that could revolutionize autism care. 

• MTT is moving toward FDA approval, which means it could be available within four years 

• Families can support this effort by raising awareness and advocating for more funding 

• You can sign up for updates on future clinical trials at autism.asu.edu 

For now, trust your instincts as a parent. If your child is struggling with gut issues, it’s worth discussing with their doctor. You are their best advocate, and even small changes in diet and lifestyle could make a difference. 

The gut-brain connection is an exciting frontier in autism research, offering new hope for families. 

By understanding how gut health influences autism symptoms, we can take a whole-body approach to treatment—one that goes beyond behavior management and truly supports a child’s well-being. 

If you found this information helpful, share this blog with other parents and caregivers. Together, we can spread awareness and support groundbreaking research that makes a real difference. 

Want to Learn More? 

Learn about upcoming research and trials at autism.asu.edu