Autism

Also indexed as: Kanner’s Syndrome

Autism is a developmental disorder of the brain that appears in early childhood. The condition causes impairment of social interaction and communication, as well as unusual behaviors.

Checklist for Autism

Rating Nutritional Supplements Herbs
3Stars Vitamin B6  
2Stars Vitamin C  
1Star Magnesium  
3Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1Star An herb is primarily supported by traditional use, or the herb or supplement has little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

What are the symptoms of autism? Symptoms vary but are characterized by a difficulty in relating to people, objects, and events. Communication problems may be present, such as a lack of eye contact or response when their name is called; fixation on specific subjects or toys; difficulty with changes to routine or surroundings; and repetitive body movements, such as head banging or hand flapping.

How is it treated? There is no established conventional treatment for autism. Therapy generally consists of using medications, such as antidepressants, stimulants, and antipsychotics, to manage symptoms of associated disorders, which include attention deficit, hyperactivity, obsessions, compulsions, tics, irritability, seizures, and depression.

Dietary changes that may be helpful: Preliminary research suggests that some autistic children may be allergic or sensitive to certain foods and that removal of these foods from the diet has appeared to improve some behaviors.1 As a result, one prominent doctor has recommended a trial hypoallergenic diet.2 Such a trial requires supervision by a doctor.

Nutritional supplements that may be helpful: Uncontrolled and double-blind research shows that vitamin B6 can be helpful for autistic children.3 4 5 In these trials, children typically took between 3.5 mg and almost 100 mg of B6 for every 2.2 pounds of body weight, with some researchers recommending 30 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight. Although toxicity was not reported, such amounts are widely considered to have potential toxicity that can damage the nervous system; these amounts should only be administered by a doctor. One prominent researcher has suggested that vitamin B6 is better supported by research than is drug treatment in dealing with autism.6

Some researchers have added magnesium to vitamin B6, reporting that taking both nutrients may have better effects than taking B6 alone.7 The amount of magnesium—10 to 15 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight—is high enough to cause diarrhea in some people and should be administered by a doctor. Doctors will often try vitamin B6 or the combination of B6 and magnesium for at least three months to see whether these nutrients help autistic children.

In one double-blind trial lasting ten weeks, autistic children given 1 gram vitamin C for each 20 pounds of body weight showed a reduction in symptom severity compared with placebo.8 The authors speculate that vitamin C may play a positive role because of its known effects on a hormone pathway typically disturbed in children with autism.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions.

References:

1. Reichelt K-L, Ekrem J, Scott H. Gluten, milk proteins and autism: dietary intervention effects on behavior and peptide section. J Appl Nutr 1990;42:1–11.

2. Werbach M. Autism. Int J Alternative Complementary Med 1996;Oct:8.

3. Lelord G, Muh JP, Barthelemy C, et al. Effects of pyridoxine and magnesium on autistic symptoms: Initial observations. J Autism Developmental Disorders 1981;11:219–29.

4. Martineau J, Garreau B, Barthelemy C, et al. Effects of vitamin B6 on averaged evoked potentials in infantile autism. Biol Psychiatr 1981;16:627–39.

5. Rimland B, Callaway E, Dreyfus P. The effect of high doses of vitamin B6 on autistic children: a double-blind crossover study. Am J Psychiatr 1978;135:472–5.

6. Rimland B. Vitamin B6 versus Fenfluramine: a case-study in medical bias. J Nutr Med 1991;2:321–2.

7. Martineau J, Barthelemy C, Garreau B, Lelord G. Vitamin B6, magnesium, and combined B6-Mg: therapeutic effects in childhood autism. Biol Psychiatr 1985;20:467–78.

8. Dolske MC, Spollen J, McKay S, et al. A preliminary trial of ascorbic acid as supplemental therapy for autism. Prog Neuropsycholpharmacol Biol Psychiatry 1993;17:765–74.