Children with autism face a number of distinctly challenging obstacles in life, and while there is no cure for autism, many natural treatments are available that can mitigate some of its symptoms. Along with familial support, early intervention, and an adequate nutritional profile, these supplements can enable children with autism-spectrum disorders to live life to the fullest.
As a nutritionist and herbalist, the supplement I have most often recommended to the parents of autistic children is fish oil. The human brain is composed largely of omega-3 fats, and the diet of many babies and toddlers is distinctly deficient in these amazing brain-boosting fatty acids. I have come to believe that omega-3 deficiency may play a role in the genesis or onset of autism-spectrum disorders.
DHA, one of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, has widely been shown to increase IQ and cognitive function in babies and toddlers, and its supplementation has also been shown to broaden attention span and learning abilities. At least two peer-reviewed studies, specifically designed to test fish oil’s effects on autism, showed that it increased cognitive function, memory, attention span, and social abilities in children with Asperger’s Syndrome and other autism-spectrum disorders.
This is very good news for autistic children, because it presents one of the closest options to a “cure” currently available for children with autism. Hundreds of anecdotal reports have indicated that many autistic children have been “unlocked”, or rid of most of their autistic tendencies, by daily fish oil supplementation. Some parents of autistic children view it as a godsend, and it is easy to give to children if you purchase flavored, distilled varieties or mix it into their other foods.
Another wise supplement choice for autistic children is chamomile, an effective herbal relaxant that many parents use to soothe tantrums and ease insomnia, but in autistic and non-autistic children. Chamomile is a pleasant-tasting relative of the sunflower with a sweet, honeylike flavor, which even the pickiest children will usually take willingly. See this article for tips on getting your child to drink chamomile or other herbal teas.
Chamomile is also available as an extract, which is significantly stronger and quicker-acting, and will ease tantrums and insomnia episodes quickly and painlessly by acting to reduce levels of cortisol, adrenaline, and other stress-related hormones. Studies conducted regarding chamomile’s safety in treating autism-related insomnia have concluded that it is one of the most effective natural treatments for this very common problem.
Herbal relaxants like chamomile may make your child drowsy, and are best given at night or during periods of extreme hyperactivity. If given early in the morning or when not absolutely called for, chamomile might cause excessive sleepiness and prevent your child from learning and participating fully in daily activities.
Of all the supplements that children with autism can benefit from taking, melatonin is one of the most important. One study demonstrated that children with autism have abnormal synthesis of melatonin, a natural substance involved in sleep and wake cycles. This largely explains the periods of profound hyperactivity and insomnia and children who have autistic tendencies, and it may be the closest research to date that can pinpoint autism’s cause.
Melatonin, available at most health food stores, is a completely natural sleep aid that can address the unexplained natural deficiency of melatonin in autistic children. In addition to addressing sleeplessness and anxiety, some preliminary evidence has also shown that it might help autistic children to have broader attention spans and deeper cognitive function.
Many children with autism spectrum disorders also benefit strongly from supplementation of B vitamins, especially B-6 and B-12, which have long been implicated in neurological health. Multiple peer-reviewed studies back this conclusion, especially when it comes to treating and mitigating the social and cognitive issues associated with autism-spectrum disorders.
B vitamins work best when they are given sublingually (under the tongue) or with an injection; however, neither of these are particularly pleasant, and it may be nearly impossible to get your child to cooperate with taking the supplements this way. However, B vitamin complexes are also available in the form of liquids and even powders, which can be mixed into fruit juice– a trick that usually covers the taste near-completely.
Several other important minerals and supplements, all of which can be found in a balanced chewable children’s vitamin, have also been implicated in the treatment of autism-spectrum disorders. Essential minerals like magnesium and calcium have been studied, along with trace minerals like copper and selinium. All children can benefit from the use of multivitamins, but they can be especially beneficial to autistic children because they address common childhood deficiencies, all of which may play a role in the severity or expression of the condition.
As always, check with your child’s doctor before you make any additions or changes to your child’s supplements. Only a doctor who is familiar with your child can fully determine which supplements are right for him. No supplement routine is capable of completely curing autism, but many children with autism are able to live very healthy, happy, and productive lives through peer support, proper diet, and dietary supplementation to address special needs.
Sources:Vitamin B6 (and Magnesium) in the Treatment of Autism.Autism Research Review International, 1987, Vol. 1, No. 4, page 3; Abnormal melatonin synthesis in autism spectrum disorder. Mol Psychiatry. Volume 13, Issue 1. Pages 90 – 98; Melatonin for treatment of sleep disorders in children with developmental disabilities. Journal of Childhood Neurology. Volume 16. Pages 581 – 584; Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in chidlren with autism: a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study. Biol Psychiatry. 2007 Feb 15;61(4):551-3. Epub 2006 Aug 22.
