Recent advances in neuroscience and microbiology have illuminated the bidirectional communication between the gastrointestinal system and the brain, commonly referred to as the gut-brain axis. Emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in brain development and function, particularly during early life stages. Disruptions in this axis have been implicated in the pathophysiology of various neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These findings call for a deeper understanding of the gut-brain connection in children and adolescents, and for the exploration of innovative therapeutic strategies targeting this axis. This Research Topic aims to highlight recent advances in the field and their implications for clinical practice in child and adolescent psychiatry.

The goal of this Research Topic is to explore the role of the gut-brain axis in the etiology, progression, and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders in pediatric populations. We seek to address key questions regarding how microbiome composition and function influence neurodevelopment and how these interactions may be modulated to improve clinical outcomes. The Topic will also consider how early-life environmental factors (e.g., diet, antibiotics, stress, autoimmune dysfunctions) may shape the gut-brain axis and contribute to developmental trajectories of psychiatric disorders. We are particularly interested in studies presenting innovative therapeutic approaches, such as microbiota-targeted interventions (e.g., probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation), psychobiotics, and integrative treatments that combine dietary, pharmacological, and psychotherapeutic strategies. Through this collection, we aim to advance translational knowledge and foster interdisciplinary collaborations to develop novel, effective, and personalized treatment models for children and adolescents affected by neurodevelopmental disorders.

This Research Topic welcomes original research, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical trials, case reports, and theoretical or methodological papers.

Key themes include:
- The influence of the gut microbiota on brain development
- Microbiome alterations in ASD, ADHD, and related disorders
- Neuroimmune and neuroendocrine mechanisms; the impact of early-life interventions
- Emerging microbiome-based therapeutics

We also encourage interdisciplinary submissions that integrate psychiatry, neuroscience, microbiology, nutrition, and pediatric medicine. Submissions should aim to advance our understanding of how targeting the gut-brain axis may improve diagnosis, prevention, and treatment in child and adolescent neuropsychiatry.

If you are not an invited author but would like to submit a paper to this Research Topic, please email us at childandadolescentpsychiatry@frontiersin.org with the title or general theme of your work and any questions you may have.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Gut-Brain Axis and Innovative Therapeutics in Child and Adolescent Neurodevelopmental Disorders