The gut microbiome plays a significant role in our overall health and well-being. Emerging research (see Sources & References, below) has begun to uncover profound connections between gut dysbiosis—an imbalance in our gut flora—and various health conditions, including autism. Recent studies suggest a relationship between high Prevotella levels in the gut microbiome, mold exposure, and autism.
The Microbiome and Autism
The human microbiome, comprising trillions of microorganisms, affects numerous physiological processes, including metabolism, immunity, and neurological function. Research in the field of autism has increasingly focused on the microbiome due to its potential role in influencing brain development and function. Children with autism often have gastrointestinal issues, and resolving these issues often leads to improvement in systems of autism.
Prevotella: A Double-Edged Sword
Prevotella is a common inhabitant of the gut microbiome. It is often associated with beneficial effects, including aiding in the digestion of complex carbohydrates and maintaining gut health. However, in people with compromised immune systems—such as children with autism, rheumatoid arthritis and various other inflammatory conditions, the role of Prevotella can shift from beneficial to problematic. This microbial imbalance can alter the gut-brain axis, influencing neurodevelopment and potentially exacerbating symptoms of autism.
Prevotella, Mold and Autism
Mold and mycotoxin exposure is a growing concern due to the potential to weaken the immune system. Alex Zaharakis is a researcher who explores the link between componets of the gut microbiome and autism, and he has noted the potential link between mold toxins and high Prevotella levels. He has observed that children with autism that have elevated levels of Prevotella in their microbiomes often have significant mold exposure. This is likely due to the fact that “Prevotella, in the vicinity of different fungal species, feeds on arabinose and mycotoxins.” He notes that in some children, Prevotella comprises up to 90% of the microbiome, which is a clear indicator of gut dysbiosis as well as chronic mold exposure.
We interviewed Christian Bogner MD, a colleauge of Alex Zaharakis, and Dr. Bogner spoke about the connection between mold exposure and autism. He and other clinicians have noted that children with autism often have a hidden mold exposure that impedes their ability to heal from symptoms of autism. In addition, one of our success stories is of a boy whose autism symptoms improved markedly after his family remediated the hidden mold in their home. His mom noted that:
I believe that mold was the single largest contributor out of many environmental chemicals and toxins to my son’s autism. Removing the mold allowed us to begin to detox and heal him and eventually remove additional layers of toxins.
Intervention Strategies
The emerging connections between Prevotella and mold exposure means that the following targeted intervention strategies may be helpful for improving the symptoms of a child with autism.
Healing the Gut Microbiome
Gut-healing diets such as the Paleo diet, the Gut And Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) diet, the Body Ecology Diet and the Specific Carbohydrate Diet can alleviate gut dysbiosis. In addition, supplementing with prebiotics and/or probiotics can help. We recommend working with a knowledgeable practitioner that can test your child’s microbiome to discover which supplements can be most helpful.
Remediating Mold
Reducing mold exposure is critical for those susceptible to its effects. Strategies include improving indoor air quality, identifying and remediating mold sources within homes and schools, and avoiding mold-contaminated foods. We recommend reading our page on Mold Inspection, Testing, Cleaning and Remediation and viewing our interview of PJ Harlow, a holistic mold consultant.
Supporting Detoxification Pathways
Supporting liver function and detoxification processes can help manage mycotoxin exposure. In addition, homotoxicology is a therapeutic intervention that uses certain types of homeopathic remedies to support the organs of eliminations.
Lowering Inflammation
Managing inflammation with diet, supplements and lifestyle modifications can help mitigate some of the symptoms associated with autism. Be sure to optimize blood sugar, as sugar is both highly inflammatory and also contributes to fungal overgrowth.
About Maria Rickert Hong CHHC
Maria Rickert Hong is a Co-Founder of, and the Education and Media Director for, Epidemic Answers, the 501(c)3 sponsoring non-profit of The Documenting Hope Project.
She is a former sell-side Wall Street equity research analyst who covered the oil services sector at Salomon Smith Barney and Lehman Brothers under Institutional Investor #1 ranked analysts. Later, she covered the gaming, lodging & leisure sector at Jefferies & Co. and Calyon Securities. She quit working on Wall Street when her first son was born.
Prior to working on Wall Street, she was a marketing specialist for Halliburton in New Orleans, where she also received her MBA in Finance & Strategy from Tulane University.
She is the author of the bestselling book Almost Autism: Recovering Children from Sensory Processing Disorder and the co-author of Brain Under Attack: A Resource for Parents and Caregivers of Children with PANS, PANDAS, and Autoimmune Encephalitis. She is a co-author of Reversal of Autism Symptoms among Dizygotic Twins through a Personalized Lifestyle and Environmental Modification Approach: A Case Report and Review of the Literature, J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(6), 641.
Maria is also a Certified Holistic Health Counselor. Her work can be found on EpidemicAnswers.org, DocumentingHope.com, Healing.DocumentingHope.com, Conference.DocumentingHope.com and MariaRickertHong.com
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Yassour, M., et al. Strain-Level Analysis of Mother-to-Child Bacterial Transmission during the First Few Months of Life. Cell Host Microbe. 2018 Jul 11;24(1):146-154.e4.
Zheng, P., et al. Gut microbiome in type 1 diabetes: A comprehensive review. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2018 Oct;34(7):e3043.
Zhou, H., et al. Evaluating the Causal Role of Gut Microbiota in Type 1 Diabetes and Its Possible Pathogenic Mechanisms. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2020 Mar 24:11:125.
Zhu, B., et al. Human gut microbiome: the second genome of human body. Protein Cell. 2010 Aug;1(8):718-25.
Resources
Articles
Dr. Bogner Health: Mycotoxins and Autism
Dr. Shoemaker’s 11 Step Treatment Protocol
Zaharakis, Alex. Prevotella copri overgrowths. BiomeSight. 30 Nov 2023.
Books
Dashore, Jodie. The BioNexus Approach to Biotoxin Illness. Blurb, 2020.
Shoemaker, Ritchie MD, et al.The Art and Science of CIRS Medicine. BookBaby, 2020.
Shoemaker, Ritchie MD, et al. Surviving Mold: Life in the Era of Dangerous Buildings. Otter Bay Books, 2010.
Vetter, Paula. Mold Illness: Surviving and Thriving: A Recovery Manual for Patients & Families Impacted By CIRS. BookBaby, 2018.
Podcasts
Better Health Guy. Episode #192: Cutting Edge Approaches in Autism Spectrum Disorder with Dr. Christian Bogner, MD, FACOG, CFMNP and Alex Zaharakis, MA, MS, DABR. 15 Nov 2023.
Presentations
Berry, Yvonne. A Physician’s Guide to Understanding & Treating Biotoxin Illness. Based on the work of Ritchie Shoemaker, M.D.
Tests
GENIE (Genomic Expression: Inflammation Explained) test
Mosaic Diagnostics MycoTOX Profile
Visual Contrast Sensitivity Test (VCS)
Websites
Change the Air Foundation's Downloads on Mold Remediation
Videos
Autism and Mold Exposure: Why Testing for Mycotoxins is so Important by Dr. Woeller
