Claim: Fungal Aspergillus is a major cause of Autism.

"Antifungal Agent Therapy: Some people believe that bacteria in the gut cause autism, and since antifungal medications can eliminate bacteria they believe they can simultaneously cure autism. There is no evidence to support any antifungal agent as an autism cure. Importantly, treating children with antifungal agents is potentially harmful; possible side effects include itching, irritation, burning, diarrhea, stomach pain, and skin rashes. Some antifungal treatments, including Diflucan, Sporanox, Lamisil, and Nizoral, are absorbed in the body and can impede liver functioning over time."

"Dysbiosis of Gut Fungal Microbiota in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)"

Published May 23, 2020 in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

This study notes that recent, extensive evidence suggests gut microbiota can influence autism behavior by regulating brain chemistry. It says most microbiota studies have focused on bacteria, but this one studied the fungal differences in fecal samples between children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and a control group.

"Saccharomyces and Aspergillus (two species of fungi) showed signifcant diferences between ASD and Control, indicating that they may be involved in the abnormal gut fungal community structure of ASD."

However, contrary to the claim that fungal Aspergillus is a major cause of autism, they found that compared to the control group, children with ASD had less fungul diversity, a lower proportion of Aspergillus, and higher proportion of Saccharomyces.

Contradicting the claim that the fungus, Aspergillus is causing Autism, this study suggests that "Aspergillus versicolor might be taken as a probiotic fungus having beneficial effects on children with ASD."

As an alternative hypothesis, the study suggests that "Candida albicans may contribute to the imbalance carbohydrate and mineral absorption and the increased toxin levels, which are believed to cause the autistic behaviors"

alt link to the same study: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10803-020-04543-y

Case Study: Rapid Complete Recovery From An Autism Spectrum Disorder After Treatment of Aspergillus With The Antifungal Drugs Itraconazole And Sporanox

Published in Integrative Medicine Clinician's Journal August 19, 2020

"A child with symptoms placing him within the autism spectrum and with urine biochemical markers consistent with fungal (Aspergillus) colonization of the gastrointestinal tract was first treated with the antifungal probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii. A dramatic Herxheimer reaction provided strong clinical indications that mold colonization might be a factor in causing autism in this child."