THE INFLUENCE OF GUT MICROBIOTA ON NEURODEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER): A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1594992414115

• Palavras-chave: Gut-brain axis, intestinal microbiota, nutritional therapy.

• Keywords: Gut-brain axis, intestinal microbiota, nutritional therapy.

• Abstract:

  Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent impairments linked to deficits in social interaction and verbal or non-verbal communication, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities. The initial phase of the disorder is usually noticed early in life. ASD always begins before the age of three and is usually noticed by parents between 12 and 18 months, when they notice a delay in speech development and the child's lack of interest in maintaining social relationships. According to Ângelo et al (2021), there are an estimated 2 million Brazilians with ASD, and more than 100 genes have the ability to trigger autism and worsen it according to exposure to pollutants and pesticides, from the gestational period of the fetus and lasting for the first thousand days of the child's life. Studies indicate that the intestinal microbiota can influence the neurodevelopment and behavior of autistic individuals, since individuals with ASD have a higher elevation of pathogenic bacteria in the intestine compared to neurotypical individuals. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between autism and the intestinal microbiota in neurodevelopment in children with ASD. This systematic review used the main databases Google Scholar, PubMED and Scielo. Through the analysis of various studies and scientific evidence, we concluded that. However, it is important to note that the influence of gut microbiota on neurodevelopment in children with ASD is still a developing field of research. Further studies are needed to elucidate cause and effect relationships and determine the most effective therapeutic strategies. Despite this, the findings to date suggest a promising approach to the treatment and management of ASD.