Worm Therapy?

We all see the world differently, but for those with autism the world can be a particularly confusing jumble of people and places. Autism spectrum disorders affect one in a hundred children in the UK and there is no cure. Autistic individuals often have difficulties with social interaction, respond badly to change and display repetitive behaviours. It is speculated that some of these symptoms may be due to their immune systems over-reacting, causing chronic inflammation. So where do worms come in? The whipworm (pictured), specifically Trichuris suis, infects the intestines of both pigs and humans. Harmful and sometimes fatal to pigs, it is fairly innocuous to humans, and may even decrease inflammation. When an autistic boy was infected with whipworm eggs, he seemed to show improvement in his symptoms. This has spurred a small clinical trial to test if it might work for other people with autism.

Written by Lux Fatimathas

Lux Fatimathas

Writer

Having pursued science through a career in research, communications and publishing, she is currently a writer and editor for a healthcare marketing agency and also juggles freelance science writing.

• Clinical trial information available here
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