Gut check: could probiotics help kids with autism handle stress?
NCT ID NCT06269614
First seen Jun 27, 2026 ยท Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at how the gut microbiome (the bacteria in our intestines) is linked to stress in children with autism or those who have experienced trauma. Researchers will give 75 children, ages 4 to 7, a probiotic powder for 4 weeks and measure changes in their gut bacteria and stress hormone levels. The goal is to better understand the connection between the gut and brain, not to test a treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Probiotic (dietary supplement)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help us understand whether changing gut bacteria might help children with autism or stress manage their reactions better.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with no control group for the probiotic. Results may not apply to all children, and the probiotic may cause mild digestive upset.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 75 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2023
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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4 years to 95 months
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Children diagnosed with Autism * Children with neurotypical development * Children in foster care * Children in homeless shelters * Children 4-7 years old * Must be able to watch a short video * Must be able to consume children's powder probiotics for 4 weeks Exclusion Criteria: * Children younger than 4, and older than 7.9 years old. * Inability to watch a screen * severe cognitive impairment
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Nova Southeastern University College of Nursing
Davie, Florida, 33314, United States
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