MINDDful-XD Study

We know that both genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development and severity of neurodevelopmental conditions like autism, ADHD, OCD and Tourette syndrome. The gut microbiota helps to regulate how the immune system matures and how the brain develops and functions, in what is called the gut-brain axis. Because of this, we are interested in if there is also a similar association between these conditions and the gut microbiota in the hope that we can develop new microbiome based strategies in the future. We are hoping to connect with families that have a neurodiverse child so that we can understand the relationships between neurodevelopment, behaviour, and the gut microbiota. We welcome siblings to participate o that we can compare

This study has three components:

  1. An online survey for each child. It will ask about prenatal and perinatal history, medical diagnoses and medications, child behaviours, mental health, and diet. This survey usually takes 60 minutes to complete.
  2. Each child will be asked to provide a stool sample. Samples are collected at home. We will provide all the materials to collect the samples and have a courier service come to your home to pick the samples up and deliver them to our lab.
  3. The final component is a short telephone survey that will ask about medical history, gastrointestinal health, and tic behaviors. It usually takes about 15 minutes. We can schedule this call at a time that is convenient for you.

Each child will receive a $60 Everything gift card for their time. This card allows you to choose your own gift cards from over 40 different retailers.