A deficiency in Vitamin D on the mother's side could explain why Autism spectrum disorder is three times more common in boys, say researchers from The University of Queensland.
The most common developmental therapy for people with ASD is Speech and Language Therapy. Speech and Language Therapy helps to improve the person's understanding and use of speech and language. Some people with ASD communicate verbally.
Find sensory tools that can comfort a child at times of stress. These may include squeezy toys, weighted blankets, a calming video or book, a swing set, or even a pet. If a meltdown occurs, allow your child the time and space to calm themselves down and learn to self-regulate.
Two open label trials found high dose vitamin D improves the core symptoms of autism in about 75% of autistic children. A few of the improvements were remarkable. The vitamin D doses used in these children were 300 IU/KG/day up to a maximum of 5000 IU/day (highest final 25(OH)D level reached was 45 ng/ml).
Professor Eyles' previous research has shown that vitamin D plays a critical role in brain development and that giving vitamin D supplements to mice during pregnancy completely prevented ASD-like traits in their offspring.
Unfortunately, no. There's no way to grow out of autism. An autism diagnosis will last for a person's lifetime, and treatment is intended to lower the reactions and characteristics of symptoms. As a developmental disorder, autism has no known cure.
Ginkgo biloba is one of the most effective plants with an old history of applications in neuropsychological disorders which recently is used for autism.
If you or a loved one has ASD, paying close attention to the foods being consumed is particularly important. For our patients with autism, we often recommend an elimination diet—eliminating gluten, dairy, sugar, corn, soy, and other categories of potentially allergenic foods for one month.
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.
Depending on your child's needs, speech therapy to improve communication skills, occupational therapy to teach activities of daily living, and physical therapy to improve movement and balance may be beneficial. A psychologist can recommend ways to address problem behavior.
Sometimes a doctor may suggest medicines or special diets for other conditions that affect autistic people. But there are no "treatments" or "cures" for autism itself. These things do not work and some can be harmful: special diets – such as gluten-free, casein-free or ketogenic diets.
Vitamin B12 (Specifically MethylB12)
Methylation is important for cognition, mood and sleep regulation, and speech development. A methylated form of vitamin B12 can help improve all of these issues.
Maternal use of supplemental folic acid before conception and early in pregnancy was associated with a lower risk of autism spectrum disorders in children [36]. Maternal multivitamin supplementation during pregnancy may be inversely associated with ASDs with intellectual disability in offspring [37].
We must aim for optimal levels of this important nutrient.” Folate is essential in cell growth and promotes neurodevelopmental growth. Deficiencies early in pregnancy have been linked to birth defects and to an increased risk of developing an autism spectrum disorder.
There's no way to prevent autism spectrum disorder, but there are treatment options. Early diagnosis and intervention is most helpful and can improve behavior, skills and language development. However, intervention is helpful at any age.
The best food for children with autism are fatty fish, eggs, grass-fed beef, sustainably raised animal proteins, shellfish, beans, nuts, and seeds. Research has found that fatty fish such as salmon and free-range eggs share the healthy omega 3 acid. Foods that contain omega 3s help fight inflammation in the body.
Autism is not caused by malnutrition or food-related challenges, but, for many people, there is a connection between autism and food. Research suggests that food-related challenges have a significant impact on many people who are diagnosed on the autism spectrum.
Additionally, doctors now believe that there may be a direct correlation between autism and low levels of vitamin D. Thus, if your child suffers from autism or Asperger's syndrome, spending time outside in the sunshine and boosting his levels of the vitamin may have a positive effect on symptoms.
Sensory Activities
Autistic children often benefit from sensory activities that help to calm and relax them. Sensory bins filled with calming items such as soft fabrics, putty, or essential oils can be a great way to help an autistic child de-stress in the classroom.
Risk Factors
Having a sibling with ASD. Having certain genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis. Experiencing complications at birth. Being born to older parents.