Dear Colleagues,

The autism spectrum or autistic spectrum encompasses a range of neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism and Asperger syndrome, generally known as autism spectrum disorders or autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs). Individuals on the autistic spectrum typically experience difficulties with social communication and interaction and may also exhibit restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Symptoms are typically recognized between one and two years of age in boys. Support efforts are individualized and typically include learning social, behavioral, and/or other coping skills. New microbiome sequencing technologies provide novel information about the potential interactions among intestinal microorganisms and the host in neuropathologies such as ASDs. The microbiota–gut–brain axis is an emerging aspect in the generation of autistic behaviors; evidence from animal models suggests that intestinal microbial shifts may produce changes fitting the clinical picture of autism. Additionally, some evidence supports the assertion that physical activity interventions have a moderate or large effect on a variety of outcomes, including for the development of manipulative skills, locomotor skills, skill-related fitness, social functioning, and muscular strength and endurance in youth with ASDs. Another important aspect is nutrition and the relationship between nutrition factors and the development of ASDs. In the present Special Issue, all these aspects might be represented, with a focus on ASDs; physical activity and ASDs; physical activity, nutrition and ASDs; nutrition and ASDs; microbiota findings in ASD patients; and brain advances in ASD patients, with a special emphasis on children and adolescents.

Dr. Julio Plaza-Díaz
Dr. Patricio Solis-Urra
Guest Editors

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• autism spectrum disorder
• gut microbiota
• nutrition
• nutritional disorders
• physical exercise
• brain
• children and adolescents