CUHK Study Links 2 Gut Bacteria to Lower Autism, ADHD Signs by Age 3
Updated
Updated · ScienceDaily · Jun 2
CUHK Study Links 2 Gut Bacteria to Lower Autism, ADHD Signs by Age 3
2 articles · Updated · ScienceDaily · Jun 2
Summary
571 cord-blood samples and 969 infant microbiome samples showed certain bacteria acquired in the first year were tied to fewer autism and ADHD signs at 36 months.
The study found birth epigenetic patterns helped shape how infants’ gut microbiomes developed, with higher methylation in some immune-related genes linked to lower microbial diversity by 12 months.
Lachnospira pectinoschiza was associated with lower autism-related signs in children carrying ASD-linked epigenetic patterns, while Parabacteroides distasonis was linked to lower ADHD-related signs in those with ADHD-linked patterns.
Delivery method, antibiotic exposure, breastfeeding, older siblings, pregnancy length and maternal allergies were among the factors associated with either birth epigenetics or microbiome development.
CUHK researchers said the findings do not make neurodevelopment fixed at birth and now need lab validation before any probiotic or live-biotherapeutic intervention is developed.
Could a specific 'good' bacterium given to infants act as a shield against neurodevelopmental disorders?
Is a child's risk for ADHD and autism already encoded in their cord blood at birth?
Revolutionizing Autism Care: AI-Driven Microbiome Testing and Synbiotic Therapies from CUHK Lead the Way in 2026
Overview
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Faculty of Medicine, together with MicroSigX Biotech Diagnostic Ltd., is advancing non-invasive autism diagnostics with the AI-powered MSX Metagenie stool test. This innovative tool uses gut microbiome analysis to identify early autism risk patterns, supporting early assessment and planning for young children. A pilot program launching in January 2027 will provide free tests to 200 preschoolers with suspected autism, marking a key step toward wider clinical use. This initiative highlights CUHK’s commitment to integrating advanced, accessible diagnostics into real-world practice for early intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorder.