We received a letter from a child with autism spectrum disorder and his/her family.

He said, “My family members tell me that I no longer talk to myself while studying, and I feel that I am able to concentrate better than before. I feel that I can concentrate better than before. I feel that my intestinal flora is supporting me,” he answered.

The family also commented, “We are happy that the possibilities have expanded for our son. I am so glad we came across the intestinal flora transplant at this time in his life when he is growing from a child to an adult.” They told us.

[Profile]
Boy
Disease: autism spectrum disorder
Transplant period: March 28, 2023 – April 22, 2023,August 8, 2023 – August 29, 2023
Number of transplants: 3, additional 3
Number of transplants: 3, additional 3 Medical institution in charge of transplant: Kawai Clinic

1. Letter from the person in question

*Some excerpts

I am a junior in middle school. I had an intestinal flora transplant this spring and summer break.

I was a little nervous the first time, and even after I got to the hospital and got into bed, I nervously asked, “Is it going to hurt?” But Dr. Kawai and the nurses reassured me by showing me the tube and explaining that it was a fine tube and would not hurt at all. When I tried it, I felt a little discomfort, but it did not hurt at all. I said “No big deal” when the doctor asked me if I was okay. I was surprised that it was over really quickly.

I was not good at studying, and when I had to do difficult problems, I would get frustrated and talk to myself a lot. But since the transplant, my family has told me that I no longer talk to myself while studying, and I feel that I am able to concentrate better than ever before. At times like that, I am glad to know that my intestinal flora is supporting me.

2. Letter from your family

*Some excerpts

I WAS TOLD THAT PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IS IMPORTANT FOR ASD, AND I HAVE BEEN RAISING MY SON WITH GROPING AND WORRYING SINCE CHILDHOOD, BUT I HAD NEVER HEARD OF “INTESTINAL FLORA” AT THE HOSPITAL OR IN MEDICAL CARE.

However, after watching various transmissions from the research group (YouTube, etc.) and the panel discussions and lectures at last year’s academic conference with my family, I was moved by the changes that families who had received transplants were experiencing, and I explained the intestinal flora transplantation to my son himself, and he made the decision.

I was worried that the transplant might be a hurdle for my son, who is very anxious about his first time… but when he underwent the procedure, he asked, “Is it over already? I was worried that it would be too hard for my son, who was very anxious for the first time….

One change that I have felt since the transplant is a drastic reduction in talking to myself in stressful situations, repeating the same questions, and feeling anxious. The sobriety has also decreased and I have the impression that life is calmer overall.

I had given up on the idea that it would be impossible for my son to attend cram school or to be taught to study, but I am happy that the possibilities have expanded for him.

I am so glad to have found the intestinal flora transplant during this time of growth from child to adult. I would like to express my gratitude to all those who work so hard every day to make this happen.

I SINCERELY HOPE THAT INTESTINAL FLORA TRANSPLANTATION WILL BECOME A MORE WIDESPREAD OPTION FOR ASD CHILDREN AND FAMILIES.