Probiotics: A Therapeutic Tool to Manage the Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behaviour. Children with ASD are 4 times more likely to experience gastrointestinal symptoms as compared to children without ASD due to less diversity of bacteria in their gut. The gastrointestinal dysbiosis has been considered as the most important contributing factor of increasing GIT symptoms among children with ASD. Evidence suggested that alteration in the intestinal micro flora is connected with the severity of ASD symptoms. Probiotic therapy has been proposed as a therapeutic tool for augmented gastrointestinal symptom severity among children with ASD. This narrative review systematically searched the literature to provide an update to Teachers and Nutritionist about the therapeutic role of probiotics to manage the children with ASD by reducing gastrointestinal symptoms. A total of 200 articles were screened and 5 articles met the inclusion criteria. There is promising evidence to suggest that probiotic therapy may improve gastrointestinal dysbiosis and reduce the severity of the ASD symptoms among children with ASD. Further research is needed in this context, to recommend about dosage and duration of treatment.