Aspergers supplements for speech, autism supplements for stimming, vitamins for autistic child and many more…
Autism supplements for speech is a category of vitamins and supplements which are often used to treat problems like autism, ADHD and other disorders related to the central nervous system (brain).
Vitamins for autism are great for autistic children who have difficulty concentrating and organizing themselves. They can supplement their diet with vitamins and minerals that help to improve overall health, calm down excitability and reduce anxiety.
vitamins for aspergers
Vitamins are a great way to give your child an extra edge in his or her schoolwork, whether exams are approaching or you’d like to see your daughter be more independent. You may also need it for your autistic family member, especially when he/she is having trouble communicating with people around them.
Vitamins can be the answer to how to help autistic. Vitamins are important in learning, growing and health. They are also known as micronutrients and play a role in human development from conception to maturity.
In this article you will find information on autism supplements. What they are, how they work, and whether they’re safe to use.
autism supplements for stimming
Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have long been prescribed vitamins, minerals, and natural supplements to help with sleep, gastrointestinal distress, and boost low vitamin levels, all of which are common in children and adults with ASD.
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Why children might need vitamin and mineral supplements
Which autism supplements do doctors recommend most often for children with ASD?
Melatonin for autism
Probiotics for autism, can they help ease the symptoms?
Studies show vitamin D reduces manifestations of ASD
Can too much folic acid cause autism?
Vitamin B6 and magnesium to ease autism symptoms
Starting your child on a supplement regimen
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that “Many biomedical interventions call for changes in diet. Such changes include removing certain types of foods from a child’s diet and using vitamin or mineral supplements.” The CDC stresses that while remedies that work for one child may not work for another, dietary changes or supplements are a worthwhile option to explore. (CDC, 2015)
A 2009 study by Allison E. Golnik and Marjorie Ireland that surveyed 539 physicians found that vitamin and mineral supplements were one of the “most widely recommended medical interventions for autism, and are recommended by 49% of physicians for children with autism.” (Adams, 2018)
However, there has recently been an increase in clinical studies assessing the benefits of autism supplements in children that extend beyond their sleep and digestion. Eye contact, behavior, and depression have recently been noted to have improved in some children with autism who take cod liver oil (rich in vitamins D and A).
Beyond the issues specific to autism, most Western diets are deficient in key vitamins and minerals including iron, B vitamins (B6, B12, and folate), antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E, vitamin D, and minerals magnesium and calcium.
Children, both with ASD and neurotypical, require a comprehensive diet filled with vitamins and minerals during this time of growth and brain development. Picky eaters will require closer monitoring of their vitamin and mineral intake to be sure they are receiving all the nutrition necessary.
Your child’s doctor or a registered dietician, along with blood work, will be able to tell you where your child is lacking nutritionally and help you make a plan to fill in the gaps in his/her diet.
Best Supplements and Vitamins for Autism https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/best-supplements-vitamins-autism
Which autism supplements do doctors recommend most often for children with ASD?
A doctor’s first priority when recommending vitamin and mineral supplements is usually to identify gaps in the child’s diet. Your child’s pediatrician might ask you to keep a log of your child’s eating for a week or two so that he/she can get an idea of what your child enjoys and what vitamins and minerals are present in those foods.
It can be helpful to write a list of foods your child dislikes and refuses to eat as well. This list might include textures, food groups, or flavors in addition to specific food items.
It is important to note that while some children may get plenty of vitamins A, E, D, and K, they are fat soluble vitamins, which means that if your child does not eat enough fat, he/she will not be able to absorb these vitamins. A child who eats a vegan or vegetarian diet may be lacking in B12 as it is found only in animal products.
Your child’s pediatrician may try to incorporate lacking vitamins and minerals into your child’s diet before going to a supplement as it is the way our bodies prefer to receive nutrition. However, when this is not possible, your pediatrician may prescribe vitamins in liquid, sublingual, chewable to swallowable pill form.
It is crucial to seek guidance from your child’s pediatrician before starting your child on a supplement regimen and wean your child on to higher doses of supplements. If supplements are suggested, they will be specific to your child’s unique nutrition and body, but some are more commonly recommended in children with ASD than others.
Melatonin for autism
About half of children with ASD struggle with sleep. There are a variety of factors that may contribute to this including anxiety, an irregular circadian rhythm, medication side effects, or hyperactivity to name a few. Melatonin is a supplement that aids in sleep and wake cycle regulation. It is a hormone found naturally in the body and produced in the pineal gland in the brain.
Melatonin can be naturally found in some fish and eggs but is most plentiful in nuts, seeds, and bananas—all of which make excellent evening snacks. However, when foods containing melatonin are limited, and the brain is not producing it correctly, your pediatrician may suggest a supplement. Melatonin is available over the counter is and is most commonly a sublingual (dissolves under the tongue). A specific dosage can be recommended by your doctor and is usually buildable based on your child’s needs.
Probiotics for autism, can they help ease the symptoms?
Gastrointestinal (GI) distress is another common problem many children with ASD face. According to the CDC, children with ASD are three and a half times more likely to experience GI complications than their neurotypical peers. Some researchers believe there is a link from gut bacteria to autism severity, but this is still debated within the medical community, and much of the evidence is anecdotal.
Children who experience frequent, prolonged or chronic GI distress should be evaluated by their pediatrician who may refer them to a gastroenterologist for further testing. The doctor may prescribe a probiotic, specifically a Bacteroides fragilis probiotic. When studied in animals with ASD-like behaviors, it was found to reverse ASD-related behaviors, normalize gut microbiota, and improve gut barrier integrity.
These findings have not been confirmed in humans, but some doctors are prescribing Bacteroides fragilis probiotics and finding it to ease symptoms in children.
Studies show vitamin D reduces manifestations of ASD
A study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines found that children with ASD who supplemented with Vitamin D3 showed improvement in signs and symptoms related to ASD. (Saad, et al., 2018) Amber Tovey, the Program Manager for the Vitamin D Council, sums up the research as follows:
“After four months, vitamin D supplementation significantly improved the core manifestations of ASD, which include irritability, hyperactivity, social withdrawal, stereotypic behavior, and inappropriate speech. The placebo group did not experience any significant improvements.
“Furthermore, children who received vitamin D supplementation experienced increased cognitive awareness, social awareness, and social cognition compared to those who only received the placebo. Vitamin D supplementation significantly decreased repetitive hand movements, random noises, jumping, and restricted interests.” (Tovey, 2018)
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Can too much folic acid cause autism?
A 2011 study by C. Mary Bear et al., studied whether too much folic acid in utero (via prenatal supplements) or after birth could cause autism. The study’s results were inconclusive and required further research, but it did note that not enough folic acid is proven to cause nervous tissue damage and therefore it suggested that too much folic acid could potentially cause nervous tissue damage associated with autism. It might be worth it to have your child’s folic acid levels assessed via blood work to be sure he/she is receiving an appropriate dosage.
While further studies were suggested in 2011, there has not been any conclusive evidence yet published.
Vitamin B6 and magnesium to ease autism symptoms
More than a dozen studies have suggested that supplementing vitamin B6 and magnesium in children with autism helps to ease symptoms, but the treatment remains controversial as each child’s body will react differently to varying interventions. The theory is that a child with ASD may show improved behavior once vitamin B6 and magnesium is introduced into the diet.
While several well-controlled studies noted this improvement, the specific improvements were inconsistent and ranged from better eye-contact to increased impulse control and improved social interactions and communication.
Both B6 and magnesium levels should be monitored in children with autism whether they are on a supplement or not as magnesium levels tend to be lower in children with ASD, and it is required for the proper absorption and use of B6 in the body. Both are essential nutrients.
Starting your child on a supplement regimen
As noted above, your first step when exploring autism supplements for your child should always be a pediatrician or a registered dietician. It is crucial to monitor your child’s responses to different supplements as some can interact with other medications, be dangerous at too high of a dose, or simply not work well in your child’s body.
The autism supplements mentioned above are some of the most commonly prescribed ones for children, but others may work well for your child, or the ones above may not be appropriate. A blood test or urine test is the most accurate way to track your child’s vitamin levels and should be performed as often as your child’s doctor recommends to ensure that your child’s supplements are being taken at a therapeutic level.
Your child’s teacher, psychiatrist, psychologist, or occupational therapist will likely benefit from being aware of supplements your child takes to help you note potential changes in your child’s health and behavior.
Dr. Adams, the director of the Autism/Asperger’s Research Program at Arizona State University and President of the Autism Nutrition Research Center shares the following advice for parents who decide to try supplements for their child:
“We recommend that all children and adults with autism consider a 2-3 month trial of a vitamin/mineral supplement designed for individuals with autism that is similar to the one used in our studies. By starting at a low dose, and gradually increasing it, there is minimal risk of adverse effects, and many children and adults are likely to benefit, sometimes substantially.” (Adams, 2018)
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Finally, all supplements should be kept out of your child’s reach, just as you would lock away prescriptions, as they can be dangerous or lethal when taken as an overdose.
Heather Porter clearly remembers the moment when she suspected that her 18-month-old son, Josh, was autistic. A standard developmental screening at her pediatrician’s office made the situation all too clear. “It was like pieces of a puzzle fitting together. I always felt that something was not quite right with my son. Once I realized he displayed signs of autism, I had to act right away,” she explains.
Unfortunately, Porter had to wait months before a team of doctors would agree to diagnose Josh with autism. In the meantime, she did everything she could to minimize the progression of Josh’s autism-related symptoms before doctors could approve him for medical and behavioral therapy.
Immediately, Porter eliminated all gluten and casein from Josh’s diet. Soon thereafter, she took her son to a Defeat Autism Now (DAN) doctor to begin a rigorous treatment plan, including maintenance of a gluten-free, casein-free diet; allergy testing; treatment of intestinal bacterial and/or yeast overgrowth; and nutritional supplementation. DAN is a project of the Autism Research Institute that aims to educate parents and clinicians regarding research, appropriate testing, and safe and effective interventions for autism.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in 150 children in the United States is affected by autism. One half to three quarters of these children are being treated with complementary alternative therapies, such as elimination diets, immune globulin therapy, chelation therapy, auditory integration training, facilitated communication, and nutritional supplementation.
Myriad nutritional supplements may be included in an autistic child’s course of therapy. Typical supplements include one or more of the following: various vitamins and minerals, essential fatty acids (EFAs), glutathione (GSH), digestive enzymes, probiotics, and dimethylglycine (DMG).
Essential Fatty Acids
Supplementation with EFAs has grown in popularity during the past couple of years. Except for presumption of deficiency, the mechanism of action to support EFA supplementation for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is unclear.1
A systematic review of six peer-reviewed articles in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found insufficient scientific evidence to determine whether omega-3 fatty acid supplements are effective for ASD management.
In 2005, Nordic Naturals, Inc, a supplier of fish oil and EFA nutritional supplements, reported positive results for a pilot trial investigating language and learning skills in children with autism and Asperger’s syndrome. The three-month study provided 18 children aged 3 to 10 with daily supplemental EFAs. The product, Omega-3.6.9 Junior, is made from purified fish oil (omega-3) and purified borage oil (omega-6). Statistical analysis completed at the University of Arizona demonstrated significant increases in all of the children’s language and learning skills.
Apart from this research, other currently available research suggests that EFA supplementation is not helpful. However, for those who wish to supplement, pharmaceutical-grade EFA supplements appear to be safe when taken at the recommended dose.
Glutathione
GSH is a tripeptide composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. As a dietary supplement, it is used as an antioxidant to protect the body from toxins and toxic metals. Supporters of GSH supplementation claim that some children with autism have low levels of active GSH because of a disruption in the transsulfuration metabolic pathway.
Any positive correlations from GSH supplementation come from a handful of case studies and personal testimonials. Despite limited evidence, the inclusion of GSH supplements is popular and deserves more research.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is one of the more important DAN biomedical interventions used today. One thought is that some people with ASD are unable to absorb methylcobalamin B12. According to the United Kingdom-based Web site Researchautism.net, others believe that injecting methyl-B12 can help alleviate some of the defects in the transmethylation system. Supporters of methylcobalamin supplementation believe that this can help reduce some or all of the symptoms of autism.
James A. Neubrander, MD, who is considered the “father” of methyl-B12 treatments for autism, reports that 94% of his patients from a private practice show signs of improvement with methyl-B12 injections. Neubrander reports that one injection given every three days can show results within five weeks.
While DAN doctors include methyl-B12 injections in their treatment plans, the lack of evidence prevents other doctors from doing so. Symptoms of excess B12 are currently unknown. While additional trials with more subjects are required to confirm B12’s success, it remains a popular treatment for ASD.
Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes are used to assist with the digestive process and remove toxic compounds from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.1 They are reported to increase the number of bacteria and enzymes in the GI tract to aid the digestive process. Popular digestive enzymes include papain, pepsin, betaine hydrochloride, and hydrochloric acid. Despite the lack of supportive evidence, enzyme aids or digestive enzymes appear to be used frequently for ASD management.1
Probiotics and Antifungal Agents
Another hypothesis suggests that an overgrowth of candida in the intestine causes some of the symptoms of autism.1 Treatments to minimize yeast overgrowth in the colon include conventional systemic antifungal agents, probiotic agents such as acidophilus and Lactobacillus to alter the bacterial flora of the intestine, and dietary modifications to decrease the substrate for yeast overgrowth.1 While these treatments for ASD remain popular, there are no clinical trials that have been published in peer-reviewed journals validating their use. No negative side effects of probiotic agents or yeast-free diets have been reported, and they remain a popular treatment for autism.
Dimethylglycine
DMG is a derivative of the amino acid glycine and is found naturally in foods such as beans, cereal grains, and liver. It is also manufactured in the body during the metabolism of choline. The use of DMG to treat autism is controversial, and current research shows mixed results. Two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies did not demonstrate differences between DMG and a placebo.1 DMG is reportedly nontoxic with no significant adverse effects.
Vitamins and Minerals
Some people believe that individuals with ASD do not have enough of the right nutrients or have trouble making use of certain nutrients available to them. They believe that these nutritional deficiencies may cause some of the symptoms of ASD as well. Vitamin and mineral supplements included for general deficiency in some autism treatment plans include vitamins A, B6, C, and D, as well as folate and magnesium.
RDs Can Assist and Support
The National Autistic Society states that many autism interventions have been developed, with various claims of success. While certain interventions are helpful to some individuals, they may not be effective for others. With limited peer research available, time is not on the side of patients with autism.
Regardless of current available research, many parents like Porter decide to act immediately to try to slow down the progression, prevent further autistic symptoms, or even try to cure their children. For this reason, it is imperative that health professionals, including dietitians, are aware of the available biomedical treatments so they can assist and support families who decide to use some of the supplements mentioned.