Testing gut bacteria transplants for children with autism

This trial is testing fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) — a treatment that transfers healthy gut bacteria from a donor into a child's digestive system — to see if it can improve social interaction, communication, and other autism-related symptoms. Researchers know that children with autism often have different gut bacteria patterns than other children, and early studies suggest that balancing these bacteria might help with both behavior and digestion. This study will compare two different ways of delivering the treatment versus a placebo to figure out which method works best.

Many children with autism experience both social and communication challenges alongside digestive problems, and researchers have found that their gut bacteria are often out of balance. Early research suggests that this medication might help by restoring healthy bacteria and improving the connection between the gut and brain, but doctors need high-quality evidence to know if it really works and which delivery method is best.