Diagnosing autism in children currently relies heavily on subjective information from parents and professionals, raising concerns about accuracy and potential biases. The study published in Nature Microbiology introduces a promising new approach: analyzing the gut microbiome. Researchers discovered specific biological markers in the stool samples of autistic children, including unique traces of gut bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These findings suggest that gut microbiome analysis could lead to a more objective and reliable diagnostic tool for autism. This study sheds light on the potential for a groundbreaking shift in how autism is diagnosed, paving the way for more accurate and personalized interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder.