Faecal Microbiota Analysis in Neurotypical and Autism Syndrome Disorder Siblings

Faecal Microbiota Analysis in Neurotypical and Autism Syndrome Disorder Siblings: FAMILY

This study aims to accurately characterise the gut microbiota composition of faeces of children with ASD and compare it with the gut microbiota composition of their neurotypical siblings. In addition it aims to also characterise the metagenome and metabolome of the faeces of both ASD and neurotypical siblings.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children of both sexes who are diagnosed with ASD and under the care of ESNEFT who have a neurotypical sibling (either full or half sibling), who share their living environment. This is due to the study requiring stool samples that are from siblings, to control for genes and environment where possible.
• Aged 3 years to 10 years old (at time of consent)
• Parent/guardian able to consent to participate
• Parent/guardian able to complete required surveys (or with accommodated adjustments)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of antibiotics in the previous 4 weeks
• Not under the care of ESNEFT
• Children <3 years old and >10 years old
• Children that don't have half or full siblings
• Parent/guardian unable to provide informed consent or complete surveys, despite reasonable adjustments being implemented