According to the Center for Disease Control, one in 44 children are diagnosed with autism, and over the next decade, an estimated 700,000 to 1.1 million autistic teens will enter adulthood.
To celebrate Adult Autism Acceptance Month, Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) hosted a compelling presentation on the long-term benefits of Microbiota Transplant Therapy for Children with Autism. Arizona State University Professor James B. Adams, Director of the Autism/Asperger’s Research Program, discussed how Microbiota Transfer Therapy creates a healthy and diverse gut microbiota, demonstrated to reduce autism symptoms by nearly 50 percent two years after treatment.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex, lifelong development condition that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. As we celebrate Adult Autism Awareness Day on April 18, 2022, PVCC continues to provide equal access and opportunities to students with disabilities including autism through the Disabilities Resources and Services department, located in the KSC building on the main campus.
Adams’ presentation, which was seen both in person and virtually, focused on the importance of quality prenatal vitamins, a diet rich in fiber, the types of microbes that have the most significant influence on long-term gut health, and more. Adams, who has published more than 150 peer-reviewed scientific articles, including more than 50 related to autism, shared his research that focuses on the medical causes of autism and how to treat and prevent it. His research areas include nutrition (vitamins/minerals, essential fatty acids, carnitine, digestive enzymes, special diets), oxidative stress, gut problems, gut bacteria, toxic metals, and seizures.
“Professor Adam's presentation speaks to the importance of diversity on several levels, including the impact of a healthy and diverse microbiome in our gastrointestinal tract and the importance of awareness and inclusion of neurodiversity within the human population,” said Darra Browning, PVCC Life Sciences’ faculty.
Get Involved
Before leaving center stage, Adams called upon those interested in being part of a study to ‘Poop for Autism.’ The study seeks adults ages 18-60 years with or without gut problems to record bowel movements for two weeks, collect one stool sample at home and complete one 20-minute doctor visit for filling out questions on diet and medical history and a small blood draw. Each person will receive a $125 gift card for their participation. More information can be found here.
To learn more about the current research being conducted through the ASU Autism/Aspergers Research Program, click here.
The Autism Society of America invites you to #CelebrateDifferences during April’s Autism Acceptance Month. If you or a loved one are affected by autism, help PVCC celebrate them with this special hashtag or tag PVCC_official in your social media posts or send in your photos to media@paradisevalley.edu.