Promising biomarkers for predicting, diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal problems in children with autism

A team of researchers have discovered a set of RNA molecules that is correlated with gastrointestinal problems in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder; these findings could inform future therapeutic and diagnostic interventions. Many individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) also complain of gastrointestinal (GI) problems, such as constipation and diarrhea, and they seem to experience these symptoms at higher rates than their neurotypical peers. However, the factors that affect neurodevelopment and the GI system are complicated and are not fully understood, which limit the available treatments for GI problems related to autism. In a recent study published in Frontiers...