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Autism and the gut: impact of gastrointestinal dysfunction on brain activity and behavior in autism spectrum disorders

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About the Authors

Manzura Kankina – Senior Nurse of the Psychoneurological Department, NJSC "National Center for Children's Rehabilitation", Astana, Kazakhstan, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9434-5389

Bekzat Khalimgaziyeva – Nurse of the Psychoneurological Department, NJSC "National Center for Children's Rehabilitation", Astana, Kazakhstan, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6138-7392                                                   

Aiman Bektembaeva – Nurse of the Psychoneurological Department, NJSC "National Center for Children's Rehabilitation", Astana, Kazakhstan, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Akerke Zafidinkyzy – Nurse of the Psychoneurological Department, NJSC "National Center for Children's Rehabilitation", Astana, Kazakhstan, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Esmira Sadebay – Nurse of the Psychoneurological Department, NJSC "National Center for Children's Rehabilitation", Astana, Kazakhstan, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


Аbstract

Recent studies increasingly support the strong connection between the gut and brain, particularly in Autism Spectrum Disorders. This article explores the theoretical foundations of the gut–brain axis, as well as the metabolic and neuroimmune pathways involved in the pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders. It also reviews current diagnostic tools and treatment strategies. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of gut microbiota and the potential for its modulation through probiotics, dietary interventions, and experimental techniques. The paper highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and therapy, and discusses the potential of early microbiota-targeted interventions for the prevention of Autism Spectrum Disorders in high-risk children.


Keywords

autism, autism spectrum disorders, gut microbiota, gut-brain axis, probiotics, inflammation.


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