Efficacy of coping mechanisms used during COVID-19 as reported by parents of children with autism.

The COVID-19 pandemic's alterations to daily life have been especially challenging for families with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), worsening the core features of ASD and overall mental health. With the increased need for effective coping, the current retrospective study used data from a survey regarding parent reports of how often their child with ASD used certain coping strategies (frequency), as well as the extent to which they felt their child benefitted from their use (efficacy) in mitigating stress during the pandemic. This retrospective study Repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted to evaluate whether there were significant differences in both frequency and efficacy ratings for each coping strategy, for the entire sample as well as for three children's age groups.

Targeting Gut Dysbiosis and Microbiome Metabolites for the Development of Therapeutic Modalities for Neurological Disorders.

The gut microbiota, composed of numerous species of microbes, works in synergy with the various organ systems in the body to bolster our overall health and well-being. The most well-known function of the gut microbiome is to facilitate the metabolism and absorption of crucial nutrients, such as complex carbohydrates, while also generating vitamins. In addition, the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating the functioning of the central nervous system (CNS).

Altered Blood Brain Barrier Permeability and Oxidative Stress in Knockout Rat Model.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by three core symptoms, specifically impaired social behavior, stereotypic/repetitive behaviors, and sensory/communication deficits. Although the exact pathophysiology of ASD is still unknown, host genetics, oxidative stress, and compromised blood brain barrier (BBB) have been implicated in predisposition to ASD. With regards to genetics, mutations in the genes such as have been associated with increased susceptibility of developing ASD.

Altering the gut microbiome to potentially modulate behavioral manifestations in autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review.

There is a potential association between gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and the severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Given this correlation, the possible impact of probiotics and prebiotics have been explored in research studies to modify the gut microbiome and ameliorate behavioral manifestations of ASD via modulating the gut-brain-microbiome axis. This systematic review focuses on the interplay between these factors in altering the behavioral manifestations of ASD.

Beneficial Effects of Milk Having A2 β-Casein Protein: Myth or Reality?

Diet has been shown to play an important role in maintaining normal homeostasis in the human body. Milk and milk products are a major component of the Western diet, but their consumption may predispose sensitive individuals to adverse health outcomes. Current literature about milk products recognizes various bioactive components including lactate, whey protein, and β-casein protein.

Gut-Induced Inflammation during Development May Compromise the Blood-Brain Barrier and Predispose to Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Recently, the gut microbiome has gained considerable interest as one of the major contributors to the pathogenesis of multi-system inflammatory disorders. Several studies have suggested that the gut microbiota plays a role in modulating complex signaling pathways, predominantly via the bidirectional gut-brain-axis (GBA). Subsequent in vivo studies have demonstrated the direct role of altered gut microbes and metabolites in the progression of neurodevelopmental diseases.

Nutritional interventions for autism spectrum disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an increasingly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder with considerable clinical heterogeneity. With no cure for the disorder, treatments commonly center around speech and behavioral therapies to improve the characteristic social, behavioral, and communicative symptoms of ASD. Gastrointestinal disturbances are commonly encountered comorbidities that are thought to be not only another symptom of ASD but to also play an active role in modulating the expression of social and behavioral symptoms.

Gene therapy for neurological disorders: challenges and recent advancements.

Major advancements in targeted gene therapy have opened up avenues for the treatment of major neurological disorders through a range of versatile modalities varying from expression of exogenous to suppression of endogenous genes. Recent technological innovations for improved gene sequence delivery have focussed on highly specific viral vector designs, plasmid transfection, nanoparticles, polymer-mediated gene delivery, engineered microRNA and clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based therapeutics. These advanced techniques have profound applications in treating highly prevalent neurological diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and autism spectrum disorder, as well as rarer diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal muscular atrophy, lysosomal storage diseases, X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy and oncological diseases.

Early Disruption of the Microbiome Leading to Decreased Antioxidant Capacity and Epigenetic Changes: Implications for the Rise in Autism.

Currently, 1 out of every 59 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism. While initial research to find the possible causes for autism were mostly focused on the genome, more recent studies indicate a significant role for epigenetic regulation of gene expression and the microbiome. In this review article, we examine the connections between early disruption of the developing microbiome and gastrointestinal tract function, with particular regard to susceptibility to autism.

Central Auditory Processing Disorders in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

The etiology and the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms of autism spectrum disorders are still largely unknown. This article provides a comprehensive review of the studies that are relevant to autism spectrum disorders and central auditory processing disorders and also discusses the relationship between autism spectrum disorders and central auditory processing disorders in the light of recent studies on this subject, which may provide new pathways in a therapeutic perspective. Several studies confirm that most of the individuals with an autism spectrum disorder have some degree of sensory dysfunction related to disorders of processing auditory, visual, vestibular, and/or tactile stimuli.