Do Gut Microbes Illuminate a New Path for Autism?

First off thanks to Ian Sample of The Guardian, who wrote an article on the above subject (link at the bottom of this article) which,' friends, family and a few others in academia and research had been discussing for a while, because of their own experiences with autism, and the fact that some have children or nieces, nephews, grandchildren that are on the autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

THE POTENTIAL role of gut microbes in autism is a topic of increasing interest. It’s time to pen a new narrative for children, their families, and friends affected by this condition.

The need for help is urgent.

The emotional, physical, and financial toll of ASD is enormous. A 2020 study estimated the global base costs of ASD at $223 billion, projected to rise to $589 billion by 2030 and $1.36 trillion by 2040.

THE FACTS - Autism affects 1-2% of the global population, equating to 75-150 million people, not including the families and friends who provide essential daily support. Symptoms typically appear within the first two years of life, though some aren't diagnosed until adolescence or adulthood.

THE PLOT - Children represent one third of the population and all our futures! Isn’t it time we authored a new chapter for them with a happier ending where autism is concerned?

THE CHARACTERS - Are unique heroes, small, medium and large that grapple with this “disorder” - a term that implies a lack of societal symmetry and not fitting in.

It suggests that those with ASD exist outside the societal norm we’ve constructed. They’re labeled as ‘neuro diverse’ because ASD is a highly variable neurodevelopmental disorder that differs from one child to the next and is currently considered non-curative, by the majority who earn their living in the space.

Some I know would prefer to remain as they are, even if a cure were available.

Others not so much and are prepared to embark on a quest that delivers a more ENGAGING DIALOGUE than the current narrative of speech, behavior, and occupational therapies, individualized education plans, and medication for adolescents with ADHD, OCC, Depression, or ODD.

Perhaps we’ve got the SETTING wrong. ?Normal is as normal does, and for lots of people being different makes you interesting, personalized, as many industries are seeking to do - creating tailored products for the individual’s needs and wants.

THEME - Why can’t we do the same for those impacted by autism, allowing them to craft their own vivid storylines of the battle between GOOD AND BAD MICROBES that may well being impacting their lives?

Parents and relatives of those affected often feel their children live in a shadow world outside of ‘civilized’ society. It’s not a fairytale, and it’s often grim. Maybe it’s us in the light who fear to understand it, revealing our ignorance.

The light represents what we know and can tolerate. In the darkness or shadows, there are dragons and creatures of our fantasies.

CONSISTENT POINT OF VIEW - Maybe we need fresh people ready to embark on this quest to better illuminate this world and allow those who live there to be seen for their true worth and uniqueness. This means children, parents, researchers, and investors coming together to explore the science and research that can move the dial in the right direction to the good side.

This exploration could involve diagnostics, therapeutics, vms/biotics nutrition, interactive tech, AI, bioinformatics, and data analytics. Pockets of excellence exist globally.

EFFECTIVE PACING - It might take years, even decades, but until fresh, strong characters step into their world, we’re still dealing with shadows. After all the best stories aren’t written overnight, and playing for children with new ideas is the best way to learn.

SATISFYING CONCLUSION - The “Tale of the Microbiome” is just one storyline that needs to be developed and concluded in our understanding of autism. Parents, philanthropists, investors, and corporations must unite on this quest. It’s time to write a new chapter for those impacted by autism.

Do gut microbes have a role in autism itself? | Autism | The Guardian