Microbial Influences on Neurodevelopment: Implications for Autism Spectrum Disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
1 Department of Biochemistry, Adeleke University, Ede, Nigeria.
2 Department of Anatomy, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
3 Department of Internal Medicine (Consulting group), Obafemi Awolowo University Health Center, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
4 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria.
5 Department of Pharmacology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
6 Department of Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology, College of Natural Sciences, Arba Minch University, Ethiopia.
7 Department of Clinical Services; Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kaduna, Nigeria.
Review
International Journal of Life Science Research Archive, 2025, 09(02), 001-028.
Article DOI: 10.53771/ijlsra.2025.9.2.0052
Publication history:
Received on 16 August 2025; revised on 22 October 2025; accepted on 25 October 2025
Abstract:
The intricate interplay between the gut microbiome and neurodevelopment has unveiled a transformative perspective on the etiology and management of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), two prevalent neurodevelopmental conditions marked by complex behavioral and cognitive challenges. This review synthesizes cutting-edge research demonstrating how the gut microbiome, through the gut-brain axis, shapes critical neural processes such as synaptic plasticity, neurotransmitter metabolism, and immune modulation during early life. Microbial dysbiosis, characterized by reduced diversity and altered metabolite profiles, emerges as a key contributor to the gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms observed in ASD and ADHD, with distinct microbial signatures such as Clostridium overgrowth in ASD and Ruminococcus enrichment in ADHD—highlighting disorder-specific pathways. Environmental factors, including diet, antibiotic exposure, and maternal microbiome health, profoundly influence microbial composition, amplifying the risk of neurodevelopmental disruptions during critical developmental windows. Promising therapeutic strategies, including probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and dietary interventions, offer hope for alleviating symptoms by restoring microbial balance, yet their efficacy is tempered by individual variability and limited long-term data. Advances in microbiome profiling technologies, such as metagenomics, pave the way for personalized interventions, while longitudinal studies and ethical frameworks are essential to translate these insights into clinical practice. By illuminating the microbiome’s pivotal role in neurodevelopment, this review underscores the urgent need for integrated research to harness microbial therapies, offering a visionary path toward improved outcomes for individuals with ASD and ADHD, and redefining the future of neurodevelopmental disorder management.
Keywords:
Gut Microbiome; Neurodevelopment; Autism Spectrum Disorders; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; Gut-Brain Axis; Microbial Dysbiosis; Probiotics; Dietary Interventions
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Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0