The gut-brain axis and neurodevelopmental disorders
Neurodevelopmental disorders don't only concern the brain. Research shows that the intestinal microbiota influences inflammation and neuronal maturation, and therefore the capacity for attention and concentration. At the Activate center in Geneva, we complement our neurological rehabilitation programs with a functional approach aimed at restoring microbiota balance.
When we mention neurodevelopmental disorders — difficulties with attention, language, learning or social interaction — we spontaneously think of "brain abnormalities". Moreover, we now speak of "neuroatypicality". But recent research invites us to change perspective: what if part of the story was happening in the gut?
The gut as a second brain
The gut houses a abundant microbiota, a true ecosystem of billions of bacteria. These microbes don't just accompany digestion: they produce bioactive molecules — short-chain fatty acids, neurotransmitters, vitamins — that dialogue with the brain via the bloodstream and the vagus nerve.
Dysbiosis and systemic inflammation
When balanced, the microbiota regulates immunity and supports the body's tolerance. But an imbalance (dysbiosis) weakens the intestinal barrier, allowing pro-inflammatory molecules to pass through. This flow feeds silent inflammation, often observed in NDDs, where abnormal activation of brain immune cells (microglia) is found.
Impact on brain maturation
This chronic inflammation interferes with brain plasticity and neural network maturation. However, the key period of child development depends on fine orchestration between immunity, cellular energy and neurotransmitters. Microbiota alterations can thus disrupt the availability of dopamine, serotonin or butyrate, molecules essential for attention, language and emotional regulation.
Intestinal dysbiosis → increased permeability → inflammation.
Inflammation → microglial activation → neural disorganization.
Disorganization → NDD symptoms (attention, language, sociability).
New therapeutic perspectives
These discoveries don't erase the complexity of NDDs, but they open a complementary path: microbiota modulation through nutrition, probiotics, gentle anti-inflammatory interventions. An approach that joins the functional vision: acting not only on symptoms, but on the biological ecosystem that feeds them.
Neurodevelopmental disorders don't only arise in the brain: they are the fruit of constant dialogue between gut, immunity and nervous system. By integrating this dimension, functional medicine offers new levers to support children and their overall development.
At the Activate center, an integrative vision for neuroatypical children
At the Activate center in Geneva, we integrate the gut–immunity–brain reflection in the follow-up of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. This functional approach (microbiota, silent inflammation, cellular energy) aims to optimize results of our neurological rehabilitation programs (attention, language, emotional regulation), by acting on both brain circuits and the biological terrain that influences them.
For more information, you can schedule an appointment with our advisor Julien Frère for a personalized assessment.
