Autism spectrum disorder includes a wide range of symptoms and severity. This variation defines it as a spectrium. There are supplements and nutritional practices that can help with autism and help support cognitive health.
Signs & Symptoms of Autism
Signs and symptoms of autism tend to first appear within the first 3 years of life. Some parents will report the change as sudden.
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. Some children show atypical development from birth. They may not respond to their name, avoid eye contact, or display unusual emotional repsonses.
Children with autism may struglle with communication and social interaction. They may also have difficulty expressing or understanding emotions. Some children develop highly focused interestes and exceptional skills. They may outperform peers in specific areas. Common signs include lining up toys, repetitive movements, arm flapping, or head banging. Some children speak with a high-pitched, sing-song, or monotone voice. Many struggle with changes to routines or diet. Emotional outbursts and meltdowns also occur.
Potential Causes For Autism Disorder
Autism spectrum disorders are becoming more and more prevalent, now reported to affect one in every 150 children. Prognosis varies, depending on the individual child. Some children attend mainstream schools and live independently with minimal support. Others require lifelong, intensive support.
Researchers have not identified a single cuase of autism. Evidence suggests multiple genetic and environmental factors contribute. Many researchers observe metabolic dysfunction in autism spectrum disorder. However, its exact role remains unclear.
Research Findings
Several well-studied theories may interact with one another. This complexity makes a single cause difficult to identify. Treatment often addressed multiple contributing factors.
Researchers have studied brainstem differenced and reduced blood flow in autism. Both finding may contribute to symptoms.
Genetics
Researchers once believed genetics alone caused autism. Current research suggests genetics play a major role while environmental factors may also contribute in some cases.
Vaccines Potential In Autism
Vaccines have been investigated as a possible cause of autism. However, extensive research has not established a causal link. 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.
Some families pursue heavy metal detoxification for autism. Current scientific evidence does not support it as an established treatment. Chelation treatments to get rid of excess lead and mercury have lead to improvements in eye contact and speech. Researchers have studied myelination defects in autism. Genetics and other biological factors may influence myelination, but research continues. Myelin helps to support healthy synapses in the central and peripheral nervous system.
Viruses Associated With Autism Disorder
Researchers have explored several viral and biological factors. Congenital rubella and cytomegalovirus have been associated with autism in some cases. Some theories suggest antibiotics disrupt healthy gut bacteria. This disruption may promote yeast overgrowth and alter gut health. Researchers continue to investigate these proposed mechanisms. In nearly all cases of ASD, gut flora (the healthy bacteria) is deficient, and the immune system is disrupted.
Natural Supplements & Lifestyle Tips That Support Autism
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 mucosal 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. Some children improve on casein-free and gluten-free diets. These diets may support attention, motor skills, social interaction, and communication. They may also reduce emotional outbursts and resistance to learning.
The Defeat Autism Now (DAN) approach focused on the brain-gut connection and potential nutrient deficiencies. Some practitioners used this model to guide treatment. 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.
Some supplements may support cognitive health in autism. These include vitamin B6 with magnesium, vitamin C, digestive enzymes, zinc, DHA, and omega-3 fatty acids. Vitamin B12, folic acid, antifungal herbs, and high-potency multivitamins have also shown potential benefits in some studies. However, evidence varies, and more research is needed. Dosage recommendations can vary greatly depending on deficiencies and the 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 not the most efficacious treatments for autism spectrum disorders.
