Best Probiotics for Autism: What the Science Says and What to Consider

As parents, we’re always searching for ways to support our children’s health.  For many families navigating autism, gut health has become an important piece of the puzzle. From digestive issues to mood and behavior challenges, it’s becoming increasingly clear that what’s happening in the gut can influence what’s happening in the brain. 

The Gut-Brain Connection

You may have heard about the connection between the gut and brain, and it can play a big role in disorders like autism. [1]  The gut-brain axis is a complex communication network between the brain, central nervous system, and the gut, which includes the stomach, intestines, and the microbiota (or bacteria) living in the gut.  

This communication network is made up of nerves, neurotransmitters, hormones, and the immune system, all of which communicate information from the gut to the brain and central nervous system.

Some of the functions of the gut-brain axis include: [2]

• Regulating appetite and digestion

• Influencing mood

• Affecting heart rate and blood pressure

• Maintaining immune system function

• Impacting memory and learning

The bacteria living in our gut can influence the signals sent between the gut and the brain, which means they can affect brain function in both good and bad ways. In children with autism, changes in behavior, speech, and sleep are often linked to this gut-brain communication being disrupted because of poor gut health. [3]  

Probiotics can be used to establish a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut, which leads to a healthy function of the chemical messengers that are vital to the role of the gut-brain axis, which is why many families are exploring probiotics as a natural way to support their child’s health. From tummy troubles to emotional regulation, probiotics can be a key part of getting your child back on track.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that have been known to help with digestion, contribute to a strong immune system, and help with gastrointestinal issues.  Probiotics feed off fiber, called prebiotics, so a diet rich in fiber can support healthy bacterial growth in the gut.

The goal of probiotics, or “good” bacteria, is to foster the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut, crowding out bad bacteria and bringing balance between the different strains of bacteria.  Probiotics can be found in foods, such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and fermented foods like sauerkraut and pickles (only specific types are actually fermented).  They also can be obtained by taking a probiotic supplement.  

It’s important to remember that probiotics are meant to supplement a healthy diet, so starting with a diet that includes a wide variety of healthy foods is key.

Probiotics, Prebiotics, Postbiotics and Synbiotics

When it comes to supporting gut health, you'll often hear about probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, but what’s the difference? Understanding how each one works can help you choose the right support for your child’s digestive and overall wellness needs.

Here is a breakdown of each one:

• Probiotics are live microorganisms, usually bacteria or yeast, that are beneficial for gut health.

• Prebiotics are fibers that feed the beneficial bacteria in our gut. 

• Postbiotics are produced when probiotics break down food and prebiotic fibers in the gut.  They can be beneficial, helping to reduce inflammation and preventing bad bacteria from growing in the intestines.

• Synbiotics are a combination of prebiotics and probiotics in a product.  

How Can Probiotics Help with Autism?

While research into the effects of probiotics on autism is ongoing, there is enough information available to suggest they may helpful for improving gut health and positively influencing behavior through the gut-brain axis. [4]

In addition, recent studies have shown that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a different composition of gut microbes compared with their non-ASD peers. [5]

Here are the top 3 ways probiotics may be helpful in autism:

1. Improving gastrointestinal health - Many children with autism struggle with constipation, diarrhea, and stomach aches.  Probiotics can help establish a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut, which can improve stools and overall gut health. [6]

2. Supporting brain function - Some strains of bacteria, like Lactobacillus plantarum PS128, have been shown to help balance levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, improving mood in children with autism. [7]

3. Reducing inflammation - Probiotics help increase the production of short chain fatty acids in the gut, which in term reduces inflammation, both inside the intestines, as well as in the rest of the body. [8]

Which Probiotics are Best for Autism?

When it comes to choosing probiotics for children with autism, the research is still developing. While some studies have had small sample sizes and mixed results, there's growing evidence that probiotics may offer real benefits for autistic children, especially when it comes to gut and behavior-related challenges. 

Many of the current studies on specific probiotic strains and their benefits have been done on animals, but data is lacking when it comes to studying probiotics in children with autism. Here’s what we do know – because the gut contains thousands of different types of bacteria, the best strategy when looking for a probiotic is finding one with a diverse mix of strains.

6 Things To Look for in a Probiotic Supplement:

1. Contain at least 10 billion CFU (colony forming units) - since our gut has billions or trillions of living bacteria at any given time, it is important to supplement with dosages high enough to make an impact, especially if your child is experiencing GI symptoms.  Shoot for 10 billion or higher to start with.

2. Contain at least 5 strains of bacteria - Like we discussed above, the key with gut bacteria is balance, so we want a variety of different bacteria.

3. Third-party tested - It is important to know what is in your supplement, so third party testing is vital to ensure your probiotic is active and has the bacteria in the amounts listed on the package.

4. Strains to look for -  

• Lactobacillus acidophilus, rhamnosus GG, plantarum, reuteri

• Saccharomyces boulardii

• Bifidobacterium longum

5. Free from allergens - free of gluten, dairy, soy, corn

• No food dyes, artificial flavors

6. Bonus: Contains prebiotics, which provide fiber for probiotics to feed on

Best Probiotics for Autism - Our Recommendations

Here are some of the probiotics we recommend most often for children with autism:

POWDER

• Klaire Labs Ther-biotic Complete Powder

• Aspire Nutrition 5-in-1 Bio-Heal Powder

• Lovebug Probiotic Powder for Toddlers

• Seed Daily Pediatric Synbiotic

LIQUID

• Mary Ruth’s Organics Liquid Probiotic

CAPSULES

• Klaire Labs Ther-biotic Complete Capsules

• Aspire Nutrition 5-in-1 Bio-Heal Capsules

CHEWABLE

• Klaire Labs Ther-biotic Kid’s Chewable

• Dr. Green Mom Chewable Probiotic (use code AUTISMRD for an extra 10% off!)

• Designs for Health Probio Med Kids

Are Probiotics Safe?  Do they have side effects?

The good news is, probiotics are safe to use and have minimal side effects.  The most common side effects reported include gas and bloating, which usually go away after a few days of use.  Rarely, probiotics can cause an allergic reaction, diarrhea, or infection.  

Probiotics are a great tool for kids with autism, especially those experiencing GI symptoms.  They are widely available, safe, and effective.  To get a more personalized probiotic recommendation, stool testing can be a good option and helps clinicians to dig a little deeper into what is going on in the gut and give a more personalized plan to improve gut health.  No matter what path you choose, ensuring your child has a healthy diet at the foundation makes a world of difference in gut health, as well as overall health.   

Supporting your child’s health can feel overwhelming at times, but understanding the gut-brain connection gives you additional insight to help your child thrive. Probiotics, along with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, can be a gentle, effective way to improve gut health and support emotional and behavioral regulation in children with autism. 

While research is still unfolding, the growing interest in probiotics is rooted in real results many families are already seeing. If you’re considering probiotics for your child, talk with a dietitian or trusted healthcare provider to get help choosing a product that fits your child’s individual needs. A healthier gut could mean a happier, more balanced life—for both you and your child.

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[1] Wang Q, Yang Q, Liu X. The microbiota-gut-brain axis and neurodevelopmental disorders. Protein Cell. 2023 Oct 25;14(10):762-775. doi: 10.1093/procel/pwad026. PMID: 37166201; PMCID: PMC10599644.

[2] Carabotti M, Scirocco A, Maselli MA, Severi C. The gut-brain axis: interactions between enteric microbiota, central and enteric nervous systems. Ann Gastroenterol. 2015 Apr-Jun;28(2):203-209. PMID: 25830558; PMCID: PMC4367209.

[3] Santocchi E, Guiducci L, Prosperi M, Calderoni S, Gaggini M, Apicella F, Tancredi R, Billeci L, Mastromarino P, Grossi E, Gastaldelli A, Morales MA, Muratori F. Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Gastrointestinal, Sensory and Core Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Psychiatry. 2020 Sep 25;11:550593. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.550593. PMID: 33101079; PMCID: PMC7546872.

[4] Feng P, Zhao S, Zhang Y, Li E. A review of probiotics in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders: Perspectives from the gut-brain axis. Front Microbiol. 2023 Mar 16;14:1123462. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1123462. PMID: 37007501; PMCID: PMC10060862.

[5] Kelly J. R., Minuto C., Cryan J. F., Clarke G., Dinan T. G. (2017). Cross talk: The microbiota and neurodevelopmental disorders. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 11, Article 490. 10.3389/fnins.2017.00490

[6] Al-Beltagi M, Saeed NK, Bediwy AS, Elbeltagi R, Alhawamdeh R. Role of gastrointestinal health in managing children with autism spectrum disorder. World J Clin Pediatr. 2023 Sep 9;12(4):171-196. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v12.i4.171. PMID: 37753490; PMCID: PMC10518744.

[7] Mensi MM, Rogantini C, Marchesi M, Borgatti R, Chiappedi M. Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 and Other Probiotics in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Real-World Experience. Nutrients. 2021; 13(6):2036. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13062036

[8] Markowiak-Kopeć P, Śliżewska K. The Effect of Probiotics on the Production of Short-Chain Fatty Acids by Human Intestinal Microbiome. Nutrients. 2020 Apr 16;12(4):1107. doi: 10.3390/nu12041107. PMID: 32316181; PMCID: PMC7230973.

Last Updated July 29 2025