ABSTRACT
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by cognitive, behavioral, and communication impairments. In the last few years, it has been proposed that alterations in the gut microbiota may contribute to an aberrant communication between the gut and brain in children with ASD. Consistent with this notion, several studies have demonstrated that children with ASD have an altered fecal microbiota compared to typically developing (TD) children. However, it is unclear where along the length of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract these alterations in microbial communities occur. Additionally, the variation between specific mucosa-associated communities remains unknown. To address this gap in knowledge of the microbiome associated with ASD, biopsies from the antrum, duodenum, ileum, ascending colon, and rectum of children with ASD and age- and sex-matched TD children were examined by 16s rRNA sequencing. We observed an overall elevated abundance of Bacillota and Bacteroidota and decreased abundance of Pseudomonadota in all GI tract regions of both male and female ASD children compared to TD children. Further analysis at the genera level revealed unique differences in the microbiome in the different regions of the GI tract in ASD children compared to TD children. We also observed sex-specific differences in the gut microbiota composition in children with ASD. These data indicate that the microbiota of ASD children is altered at multiple regions of the GI tract and that different anatomic locations have unique alterations in mucosa-associated bacterial genera.
ABSTRACT
As the recognition of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) increases, and the prevalence estimates of ASD continue to rise throughout the world, it has become apparent that access to diagnostic and treatment services is highly dependent on geography. Even within countries such as the United States, which has received significant interest and investment in understanding, diagnosing, treating, and providing programs for those with ASD over the last 20+ years, access to information and services is uneven. In poorer countries such as the Dominican Republic (DR), where >40% of citizens live below the poverty level and access to quality healthcare overall continues to be a challenge, issues associated with ASD are not yet being adequately addressed. The objective of this review is to provide a realistic synopsis of the resources currently available to Dominicans who have a family member or loved one with ASD. We examine the challenges these families face in finding care, the stigma associated with ASD, and programs available for people with ASD. We conclude that while the DR is making progress in its efforts to address ASD, there is still much work to be done.
