AUTHOR=Sahebi Mahbod , Tamdjidi Majid , Thorell Jesper , Azizi Parisa 

TITLE=Physical activity and addressing emotional needs can help reduce medication dependence in autism

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1509827

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1509827

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes deficits in social interactions, communication skills, intellectual limitations, and self-injurious behaviors. Common systemic comorbidities include gastrointestinal issues, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Recent study has found a link between gut microbiota alterations and neurobehavioral symptoms in children with ASD. Physical activity and exercise therapy have been demonstrated to promote communication and social interaction while also positively influencing microbiota composition. This research intends to highlight how various sports can improve speech and social abilities in autistic children while also benefitting gut microbiota composition. Parents of autistic children confront several problems. Many parents are too busy or lack the essential information to care for their children at home, so they rely on government-provided healthcare facilities. This condition hinders these youngsters from having a regular upbringing, resulting in behaviors more akin to younger children as they get older. They frequently suffer from mental health concerns and may fail to articulate their needs and desires effectively. The inability to articulate oneself can lead to negative conduct, especially against others who remind them of their parents or siblings. Addressing these issues may entail examining early memories and involving people in activities that match their interests and developmental phases. By doing so, they may feel more understood and sensitive to instruction, like a small child.