Scientists may have discovered a crucial clue in understanding the development of autism — and their findings could completely reshape our understanding 😨 A groundbreaking new study reveals a potential connection that could finally shed light on how autism develops… and why early intervention may be more important than we ever realized.. (check in first comment👇)

A recent study published in The Journal of Immunology highlights a potential link between a mother’s gut microbiota and the development of autism in offspring. Researchers at the University of Virginia found that maternal gut bacteria may influence the baby’s immune and brain development, especially through an inflammatory molecule called IL-17a.

In lab experiments with mice, offspring exposed to microbiota that triggered IL-17a inflammation later developed autism-like behaviors, while those where IL-17a was suppressed showed typical behavior. A fecal transplant confirmed that gut microbes, not genetics, were likely responsible.

While early and based on animal models, the findings suggest maternal gut health could play a role in neurodevelopmental disorders. The team now aims to explore which aspects of the maternal microbiome may be linked to autism in humans.