Alterations in Gut Brain Axis Metabolites and Behavioral Performance Following TABAM Intervention in Children with Autism: A Pilot Study
Emerging research suggests a link between gut microbiota, gut-derived metabolites, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-related behaviors and gastrointestinal issues. However, the clinical effectiveness and potential interactions of integrative interventions remain poorly understood. This pilot study compared TABAM, an integrative intervention, with conventional therapy for adaptive behavior in children aged 3-7 years with high-functioning ASD. Participants received either TABAM or conventional therapy for 12 months. Adaptive behavior and autism symptom severity were assessed at baseline and follow-up using VABS-II and CARS2-ST. Stool samples were collected at both time points for gut microbiota profiling using 16S rRNA sequencing and targeted fecal metabolomics. Sixteen of 22 enrolled children completed the study (TABAM n=10; control n=6). Only the TABAM group showed significant improvement in VABS-II scores. TABAM was also associated with decreased fecal acetate, propionate, putrescine, glutamate, ornithine, and citrulline and increased serotonin, while no significant metabolite changes occurred in controls. Microbiota beta diversity remained stable overall, whereas TABAM was associated with decreased Shannon diversity, increased Bifidobacterium, and decreased Prevotella. These findings link TABAM with improved adaptive functioning and concurrent changes in gut microbiome and metabolite profiles, supporting larger studies to clarify its clinical efficacy and potential gut-brain axis mechanisms.