Doctors Focus on Gut Health, Early Detection in Autism Care
Today Is World Autism Day
Hyderabad:Ahead of World Autism Day on April 2, doctors in Hyderabad said research is increasingly focusing on gut health and early detection to support children with autism. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), which transfers healthy gut bacteria from a screened donor to a patient, is showing promising results in addressing gut-related issues. Doctors said improving digestion can help reduce irritability, frustration and behavioural problems.
Dr Chandrasekhar Thodupunuri noted that many symptoms improve once gut issues are treated, adding that a study has been registered with the Indian Council of Medical Research focusing on FOXP-2 expression linked to speech development. Other doctors stressed that stem cell therapy is not recommended, while artificial intelligence-assisted screening is being explored. Dr Gautami Nagabhirava explained that AI can analyse videos, such as a baby crying, to help predict autism and enable early detection.
Dr Prabhjot Kaur, consultant and head of paediatric neurology, said Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition. She cited CDC estimates that one in 36 children globally are identified with ASD, with boys diagnosed more often than girls. In India, studies suggest prevalence rates around one in 100 urban children. She described early red flags such as avoiding eye contact, fixation on objects, meltdowns over routine changes, and delayed speech milestones.
She shared success stories of children who improved significantly with early therapy, noting that intervention before age three can lead to 25–30 per cent losing their diagnosis. However, she added that support in Telangana lags, with rural families travelling long distances for specialists and cultural taboos limiting discussion.
Dr Vishal Akula of Jagityal Medical College said stem cell and FMT research is still in early stages. He urged the government to establish child development centres in medical colleges to provide hands-on training and therapies. He also pointed to maternal stress as a factor linked to autism, recommending yoga and relaxation exercises for mothers.
