Omega 3 has been scientifically shown to assist people with ASD in becoming more socially adept as well as improve their overall health and heart conditions. Studies and clinical trials have demonstrated the value of omega-3 supplementation for autistic patients.
Do omega-3s have a role in autism? 28% of children with autism use fish oil supplements. Many studies report positive outcomes for the use of omega-3 fatty acids in autism. Autistic children supplemented with fish oils were found to have reduced hyperactive behaviour.
Several major health organizations recommend 250 to 500 mg of combined EPA and DHA per day for healthy adults. However, the quantity for children with ASD is as mentioned below: Children between 1 to 3 years– 700mg. Children between 4-8 years– 900mg.
These results indicate that supplementation of omega 3 + 6 fatty acids may help overall social and communicative development (i.e., representational gestures) but not language in particular.
Supplements are most beneficial in children with documented deficiencies, however, Coleman finds that omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, certain probiotics, prebiotics, and activated folate tend to be safe and generally beneficial for some autistic children.
A diet focused on whole, unprocessed, nutrient-dense foods is a must when it comes to autism natural treatment. Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and homeopathy can offer unique yet helpful perspectives on autism and various autism natural treatment options.
Ingestion of omega-3 fatty acids increases learning, memory, cognitive well-being, and blood flow in the brain. Omega-3 treatments are advantageous, well-tolerated, and risk-free. Lonelier people, the elderly, and those who eat fewer healthy foods containing omega-3 may benefit from an omega-3 supplement.
Omega-3 is important for our brain throughout life, from early cognitive development in foetuses to learning and memory in adults. Brain cells with high levels of omega-3 in their membranes are thought to be better at communicating with other cells, an important process for brain function.
Some evidence indicates that magnesium could also be involved in neurological diseases such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism. However, no direct study has been published to confirm this assumption.
0.5 grams (g) total omega 3s from birth to 12 months. 0.7 g ALA for 1-3 years. 0.9 g ALA for 4-8 years. 1.2 g ALA for males and 1g for females for 9-13 years.
Eat oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel and sardines, at least twice a week, and seeds, such as flaxseeds (also called linseeds) and chia seeds, on most days. Furthermore, supplement omega 3 through fish oil or a vegan alternative. Look for a supplement that contains both EPA and DHA.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid found in oily fish, may offset the effects of maternal malnutrition or stress, both of which can alter gene expression and contribute to autism odds, according to a mouse study. Other fats may not have the same protective effects.
Studies have demonstrated that immune-activation may be a risk factor for ASD. A lack of vitamin D may alter the immune responses of patients with ASD, and vitamin D may prevent ASD-related behavior dilemmas induced by immune activation (Nakamura et al., 2010).
Evaluating omega-3 intake from questionnaires, researchers found that mothers consuming more omega-3 in the second half of pregnancy were 40% less likely to have children with ASD. In the third-trimester, however, researchers did not observe any statistical significance in relation to the risk of ASD.
It can take up to one month for optimal levels of EPA and DHA to be reached in your blood, but in the brain and heart it can take up to 3 months, until the fatty acids saturate more in those areas.
Higher omega-3 index was associated with larger hippocampal volumes. The hippocampus, a structure in the brain, plays a major role in learning and memory. Consuming more omega-3s was associated with better abstract reasoning, or the ability to understand complex concepts using logical thinking.
“On average, those in the DHA group scored 3.5 points higher on the IQ scale than those in the control group,” Dr. Gould said. “These very promising results suggest DHA has the potential to improve cognitive performance when administered via emulsion for infants born before 29 weeks' gestation.” What is this?
Some studies suggest that omega-3 supplements can improve inattention and other symptoms in kids with ADHD. For example, one study found that 3 months of omega-3 supplementation improved symptoms in a quarter of kids and teens with ADHD; by 6 months, half the kids had shown improvements.
These studies showed that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may improve hyperactivity, lethargy, and stereotypy (movements such as body rocking), which are common in children with autism.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Applied behavior analysis is often referred to as the gold standard of autism therapy, largely because therapists set very specific, measurable goals and often succeed in teaching skills.
Strategies to consider include distraction, diversion, helping the person use calming strategies such as fiddle toys or listening to music, removing any potential triggers, and staying calm yourself.
You could use visual cues like pictures of headphones or a quiet place. Try not to say too much. Instead use pictures or written words to guide your child to a safe, quiet place and suggest calming strategies. Give your child space and don't touch them.