AIMS microbiologyOct 11, 2026

Gut bacteria and gut-brain communication in autism and ADHD: Shared and unique biological pathways

Gut-Brain Axis Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Oct 12, 2026

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are among the most prevalent neurodevelopmental conditions worldwide.

The biological mechanisms driving ASD and ADHD are not fully understood.
The gut-brain axis (GBA) connects gut microbes to brain function through various pathways.
Environmental factors may interact with genetic susceptibility via the GBA to influence neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Simplified

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are among the most prevalent neurodevelopmental conditions worldwide, yet the biological mechanisms driving their onset and phenotypic variability remain incompletely understood. The gut-brain axis (GBA), a bidirectional network linking intestinal microbial communities to central nervous system function through endocrine, immune, neural, and metabolic pathways, has emerged as a candidate mechanism through which environmental factors interact with genetic susceptibility to shape neurodevelopmental outcomes.

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Gut bacteria and gut-brain communication in autism and ADHD: Shared and unique biological pathways

Abstract

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