Altered gut microbiota composition and feeding behaviours in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a comparative pilot study

Aug 29, 2025Annals of human biology

Changes in gut bacteria and eating habits in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Abstract

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) exhibited significant differences in gut microbiota composition compared to neurotypical peers.

Gut microbiota beta diversity was significantly different between the two groups.
Bacteroidota was predominant in the control group, while Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, and Proteobacteria were dominant in the ASD group.
Specific genera were enriched in the control group, whereas certain genera were more prevalent in the ASD group.
Feeding-related behavioral issues were greater in the ASD group, as indicated by higher BAMBI scale scores.
Nutritional intake and gastrointestinal symptoms were also assessed, revealing potential areas for intervention.

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BACKGROUND: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a prevalent condition with poorly understood aetiology. Studies indicate that children with ASD exhibit more gastrointestinal alterations, nutritional deficiencies due to selective eating, and distinct gut microbiota profiles compared to neurotypical peers.

AIM: To investigate the differences in gut microbiota composition and feeding behaviours between children with ASD and their typically developing peers.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Faecal samples from 10 male children with ASD (mean age 6.2 years), and 10 male neurotypical controls (mean age 6.1 years) were analysed using 16S rRNA sequencing to assess gut microbiota composition. Guardians completed questionnaires on demographics, birth data, initial feeding habits (i.e. feeding practices after breastfeeding), gastrointestinal symptoms, stool characteristics, and feeding behaviours, which were assessed using the Brief Autism Mealtime Behaviour Inventory (BAMBI) scale. Additionally, a 48-hour dietary recall was collected to analyse the children's nutritional intake.

RESULTS: Significant differences in gut microbiota beta diversity were observed. Bacteroidota predominated in the control group, while Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, and Proteobacteria were dominant in the ASD group. Generaandwere enriched in controls, whereassensu stricto 1,_group,_UCG004, andwere more prevalent in ASD. Comorbidities, sodium intake, and BAMBI scale scores highlighted greater feeding-related behavioural issues in the ASD group. Blautia Bifidobacterium Clostridium Ruminococcus_torques Lachnospiraceae Bifidobacterium breve

CONCLUSION: Children with ASD show notable differences in gut microbiota composition and feeding behaviours. The findings emphasise the need to address gastrointestinal and nutritional factors in ASD management.

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Altered gut microbiota composition and feeding behaviours in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a comparative pilot study

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