Often a child will be progressing normally and will regress, losing words and skills that they had previously mastered. Others will hit a 'plateau' at which their development seems to stop , regardless of age or social norms. Still others will notice atypical development from birth, inability to respond to one's name, little to no eye contact, as well as inappropriate emotion may be observed.

Children on the autism spectrum are known to be generally disengaged from the world around them, finding it very difficult to vocalize or display emotion, as well as understand the emotions of others. It is not uncommon for these children to develop unique and focused areas of interest, in which their specific skill(s) surpass 'typically developing children' of the same age. Some other common symptoms are: excessive lining up of toys or other objects, other repetitive behaviours like flapping of the arms, or banging one's head, high pitched 'sing-song', or flat robot like voice is often common, inability to adapt to new situations or stray from usual patterns and diet, emotional outbursts or meltdowns.

Autism spectrum disorders are become more and more prevalent, now reported to affect one in every 150 children. Prognosis varies, depending on the individual child. Some children are integrated into the public school system and can become relatively independent, able to carry on activities of daily living with little or no support from those around them, while others will continue to need more intensive support throughout their lifetime. The cause of autism spectrum disorders is still unclear, although there seems to be a general consensus that there are a variety of factors involved. There is always some sort of metabolic dysfunction at play, but whether is the cause of the problems or a side effect of them, is still unclear.

Originally, genetics were thought to be solely responsible. Over the last 10 years, the idea emerged that there may be two types of autism, one that is entirely genetic and an individual has from birth, and the other being a disorder that is acquired. In the latter, it is believed that there is a susceptibility that allows these factors to cause disease in one child and not in others.

Some of the more well researched and regarded theories seem to actually play upon each other,, making it difficult to assess for one root cause. It also means treatment is usually based on righting a number of wrongs, as opposed to taking a single treatment perspective.

Some research has focused on a central nervous system defect, mainly either a brain stem defect, commonly seen in children and adults on the Autism spectrum, or decreased brain blood flow, another typical finding.

Infant vaccinations have also been implicated in the development of ASD. A theory that has been neither proven nor unequivocally disproved. The vaccination itself (like pertussis) may be causing infection if the immune system is already fragile, or the preservatives in the vaccinations, like mercury toxicity from the MMR vaccine, are directly responsible for.

Heavy metal toxicity, whether vaccines are involved or not, is quite common in both the mothers of ASD children and the children themselves. Chelation treatments to get rid of excess lead and mercury have lead to improvements in eye contact and speech. Myelinization defects have also been implicated in the incidence and development of ASD. These defects can again be genetic, or can be caused from vaccine reactions or mercury toxicity. Myelin helps to support healthy synapses in the central and peripheral nervous system.

Viral infections, either in the mother during pregnancy or in infancy. Rubella and cytomegalovirus have both been associated with the onset of ASD in children. Furthermore, the use of antibiotics in infancy, has also been associated with ASD incidence. The theory argues that antibiotic treatment destroy the normal living bacteria (gut flora) of the intestinal tract, leading to overgrowth of yeast and further impairing the immune system against viral infections. The use of antibiotics and consequential destruction of gut flora may also lead to nutrient deficiencies, almost always observed in adults and children with ASD. These deficiencies only once again further disrupt the immune system.

Considering all of these theories, it is reasonable to assume the treatment options would be vast, most often taking a number of the above factors into consideration. Many children on the Autism spectrum have digestive problems thought to stem from unbalanced or severely depleted gut flora, ultimately leading to a dysfunctional mucousal barrier, as well as GALT (Gut associated lymphoid tissue) immune dysfunction. These impaired processes combined can cause severe nutritional deficiency, as well as inflammation and food sensitivities. Allergies to gluten and/or wheat, sugar and cow's dairy are extremely common in the ASD population. There is often marked improvement when these children are placed on casein free, gluten free diets. These and other special diets have been associated with improved attention, motor skills and social integration, decreased emotional outbursts and resistance to learning and overall more communicative individuals.

The Defeat Autism Now (DAN) project treats autism based, in part, on the brain-gut hypotheses and the potentially significant nutrient deficiencies that may be present and can be treated. Using a biomedical intervention model these doctors aim to address nutrient deficiencies, as well as excesses like yeast and other fungi, that may be contributing to these disorders. They have had great success. Look for a DAN doctor in your area.

Vitamin B6 in combination with magnesium, vitamin C, digestive enzymes, zinc, DHA, an omega 3 fatty acid, B12 and folic acid, anti-fungal herbs, as well as high potency multivitamins, have all been documented as showing significant benefit in terms of behaviour reduction. Dosage recommendations can vary greatly depending on deficiencies and size of the individual. Consult a healthcare practitioner in your area before beginning any high dose treatments.

Early intensive behavioural intervention (EIBI) has been praised as a means of effectively treating autism and supporting children towards integration, healthy social skills, age appropriate play and motor skills, communication, and cognition. It has been well studied and after years of implementation still remains one of, if the the most efficacious treatments for autism spectrum disorders.

The following list of supplements can be used for preventing and helping ASD.  Adult doses are given.  (CLICK SUPPLEMENT NAME FOR PRODUCTS).