Beneficial Bacteria Treatment for Autism

Treating Gastrointestinal Problems in Children With Autism Using Beneficial Bacteria Treatment (BBT)

This is an open-label clinical trial to investigate a combination therapy for treating gastrointestinal problems in children with autism spectrum disorders.

The combination therapy includes beneficial bacteria.

This is an open-label clinical trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and feasibility of a combination therapy to treat gastrointestinal problems in children with autism spectrum disorders.

It involves a combination therapy including beneficial bacteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Children ages 7-17 years
2. Diagnosis of autism per Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R)
3. Moderate or Severe GI problems ( on the GSRS, a single score of 4 (severe) on any item, or a score of 3 (moderate) on two items, or a score of 2 (mild) or more on any 4 items
4. No changes in medications, supplements, diet, therapies, or education in last 3 months, and no intention to change them during clinical trial
5. General good physical health aside from gastrointestinal problems
6. Cognitive Ability to Provide Informed Assent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Antibiotics in last 6 months
2. Probiotics in last 3 months
3. Single-gene disorder (Fragile X, etc.)
4. Major brain malformation
5. Tube feeding
6. Severe gastrointestinal problems that require immediate treatment (life-threatening)
7. Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease, diagnosed Celiac Disease, Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis, or similar conditions
8. Severely underweight/malnourished
9. Recent or scheduled surgeries
10. Current participation in other clinical trials