HKU cross-disciplinary research reveals oral microbiota as promising screening tool for young children with ASD

HKU cross-disciplinary research reveals oral microbiota as promising screening tool for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

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A cross-disciplinary research team from the Faculty of Dentistry and the Department of Psychology of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) has found promising connection between oral microbiota and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Their study published in the Journal of Dentistry, introduces a prediction model with an 81% accuracy rate for identifying children with autism through simple oral sampling.

ASD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition characterised by social communication difficulties, as well as restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests. ASD has emerged as a critical global public health challenge, with prevalence rates steadily rising – affecting 1 in 36 children in the United States and approximately 1 in 49 children in Hong Kong’s educational system. Early identification and intervention for ASD is crucial, yet diagnosis…