Is there any connection between gut bacteria and autism? by Connie b. Dellobuono
Answer by Connie b. Dellobuono:
From: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/06/160607151254.htm
Autism with intellectual disability linked to mother's immune dysfunction during pregnancy. University of California – Davis Health System
The authors postulate that alterations in the gestational immune environment among mothers of children autism with intellectual disability may lead to alterations in the neurodevelopmental trajectory of the developing fetus, which may subsequently result in the altered behavioral phenotype characteristic of children with autism and intellectual disability.
The researchers noted that maternal immune activation represents one of several pathways that can result in differences in maternal cytokines, including environmental toxicants such as pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Mid-gestational maternal cytokine and chemokine levels also may interact with other potential risk factors, such as parental genetics.
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Connie's comments: Before and during pregnancy, any exposure to meds/drugs/toxins to mom and alteration in the health condition of the mom can affect the brain of the fetus. The immune system of the mother is influenced by her gut bacteria.