AUTISM and The Gut Microbiome

Autism is a spectrum disorder of neurodevelopmental organs that affects social interaction, communication problems, and repetitive and restricted behavior among children and grown-up adults.

- Dr A D Diwan, Dr S.N. Harke, Dr Archana N. Panche

As per the Lancet Journal report in December 2024, the Global Burden of autism disorder among people presents the most comprehensive estimates and further highlights, mentioning that there is a substantial increase in the prevalence of this disorder compared to the previous forecast. The study estimates that 61.8 million people globally were autistic in 2021, equivalent to 1 in every 127 individuals. This marks a significant increase from prior estimates, which had relied on data sources that likely underestimated autism prevalence. In the following table, illustrations have been made to give estimates of autism disorders among individuals per 100,000.

The burden of autism disorders varies significantly across geographical regions also, reflecting differences in diagnostic awareness, healthcare access, and cultural factors. Among high-income regions, Japan had the highest prevalence, with 1,586.9 per 100,000 people diagnosed with autism disorder. Conversely, Bangladesh had the lowest recorded prevalence globally, at 588.2 per 100,000.

What causes autism?

To explain this disorder, several reports are indicating the reasons like genetic disorders (e.g., fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis), environmental factors (e.g., maternal infection, diabetes, high blood pressure, and older paternal age at conception), brain differences, brain growth disruptions in early development and Preterm birth. However, there are still heated arguments and debates saying that intense research is required to unravel the complexities of this condition.