Altered Autonomic Functions and Gut Microbiome in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Implications for Assisting ASD Screening and Diagnosis

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological and developmental disorder, and a growing body of literature suggests the presence of autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction in individuals with ASD. ANS is part of the null brain axis, which consists of an intricate interplay between the gut microbiome, mucosal immune system, enteric nervous system, ANS, and central processes receiving input from the vagus nerve. Measurements of the...