Investigating the Role of Gut Microbiota in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Neurobiological Perspective

1. Introduction 1.1 Background and Motivation 1.2 Research Objectives 1.3 Structure of the Thesis 2. Gut Microbiota: An Overview 2.1 Definition and Composition 2.2 Factors Influencing Gut Microbiota 2.3 Gut Microbiota and Human Health 3. Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Definition and Scope 3.1 Types of Neurodevelopmental Disorders 3.2 Prevalence and Diagnosis 3.3 Current Treatment Approaches 4. Gut-Brain Axis: A Biological Connection 4.1 Anatomy of the Gut-Brain Axis 4.2 Communication Pathways 4.3 Role in Homeostasis 5. Impact of Gut Microbiota on Brain Development 5.1 Early Life Microbiota Colonization 5.2 Microbiota and Neurodevelopmental Mechanisms 5.3 Critical Periods of Susceptibility 6. Gut Microbiota in Neurodevelopmental Disorders 6.1 Autism Spectrum Disorder 6.2 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder 6.3 Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders 7. Research Methodologies and Analytical Techniques 7.1 Experimental Models and Approaches 7.2 Omics Technologies and Bioinformatics 7.3 Challenges and Limitations 8. Future Directions and Therapeutic Implications 8.1 Probiotics and Dietary Interventions 8.2 Personalized Medicine in Neurodevelopment 8.3 Ethical and Social Considerations