Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) participated in the Autism Connect 2024 event, an annual initiative organised by the Child Development Centre for Special Needs. The one-day community-driven event was dedicated to fostering connections, providing education, and promoting empowerment within the autism community.
Dr Ghizlane Bendriss, a neuroscientist and assistant professor of biology at WCM-Q, joined leading experts for a panel discussion titled “Autism: Diagnosis, Intervention, and Advances in Research.” The session addressed crucial topics related to autism research, clinical practice, and advocacy.
During the discussion, Dr Bendriss explored the intricate topic of gut-brain axis in autism. She highlighted the growing body of evidence linking the loss of diversity in gut microbes to autism-like behaviour. Explaining the mechanisms through which gut metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, neurotransmitters, and hormones, affect both peripheral and central nervous system development and function, she emphasised various interventions to reverse gut dysbiosis, including dietary changes, pre/probiotics, and fecal transplants.
“Autism is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, behaviour, and learning,” said Dr Bendriss. “The neurodevelopmental challenges are complex, making it essential to continue our efforts to improve the lives of individuals with autism.”
Dr Bendriss was accompanied by Sama Ayoub, a second-year WCM-Q pre-medical student. Together, they have conducted a study that compares local Qatari yogurts to imported probiotic yogurts, characterising enhancing properties such as resistance to acidity, probiotic content, antibiotic properties against pathogens, and antibiotic resistance. Ayoub is the first author of a paper on the topic, and she and Dr Bendriss have also published a protocol for making highly probiotic-rich yogurt at home.
At the event, Ayoub had the opportunity to engage with members of the autism community, discuss the role of gut microbes in autism, present recent advances in gut-brain axis research, and highlight WCM-Q relevant publications and current clinical trials involving fecal transplants and probiotics. Ayoub also demonstrated how to make healthy probiotic-enriched yogurts from local produce and answered visitor questions.
Sama Ayoub and Dr Ghizlane Bendriss
