Autism Spectrum Disorder Study

As part of Hypothesis Haven Science Club's mission to teach children how doctors and scientists discover, treat and prevent illnesses, we are excited to share opportunities for children to take part in clinical research.

---

Antibiotics are known to cause gastrointestinal symptoms, but changes in behavior have also been seen while taking antibiotics. Previous research has shown that some children with autism experience significant changes in their autism symptoms while they are taking antibiotics, and symptoms have either improved or worsened depending on the child and the antibiotic that was prescribed. To find out why, we need to see what changes in the gut while the child is taking antibiotics.

This research study will document the effects of antibiotics in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study will look at behavior, abdominal pain, and the bacteria (microbiome) and small biological molecules (metabolome) in the gastrointestinal tract.

Purpose

To understand why antibiotics may affect children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Who can participate?

• Children 2-17 years of age with a diagnosis of ASD who have been prescribed antibiotics

• Children 2-17 years of age without a diagnosis of ASD who have been prescribed antibiotics

What will you do in the study?

• Your child will be asked to provide two stool specimens.

• Your child will be asked to complete several surveys and diaries over a two-week period.

• You will be compensated for your time and effort.

What will happen in the study?

• The stool specimen will be used to determine differences in microbes and metabolites before and after taking antibiotics.

• Behavior will be compared to the results of the microbes and metabolites analyses.

Online or in-person visit(s)?

In-person

Principal Investigator

Ruth Ann Luna, PhD

Texas Children's Microbiome Center

Join Now

Contact Dr. Ruth Ann Luna at raluna@bcm.edu or 832–824–1894