10 Simple Ways to Help Autism

10 Simple Ways to Help Autism

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of developmental disabilities characterized by communication challenges, abnormal social skills, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. Since ASD are “spectrum disorders,” they affect each person in different ways and can range from very mild to severe.

Your Vitamin Levels & Autism

For some time, autism has been correlated with low levels of serotonin and vitamin D. One study shows that vitamin D, which is actually a hormone, activates a genetic sequence that converts the essential amino acid tryptophan into serotonin in the brain. These findings confirm the importance of adequate vitamin D for serotonin production in the brain, where it acts as a neurotransmitter, affecting brain development, mood stabilization, cognitive flexibility, social behavior, and sleep patterns.

Another study found that pregnant women with low vitamin D levels increase their chances of having a child with autistic traits. This reiterates the importance of regularly measuring vitamin D and maintaining optimal levels in pregnant women and people of all ages, which is easy and affordable through dietary supplementation.

Supplements to Help Improve Autism Symptoms

In addition to vitamin D3, here are ten supplements that are known to improve the symptoms associated with autism:

  • Calcium– A must for those on a dairy-free diet. Taking an additional supplement is necessary since multivitamins typically don’t contain enough calcium.
  • CoQ10– This heart-healthy supplement helps to convert food into energy and is also a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals.
  • DMG/TMG– Helps with methylation by improving speech production and behavior patterns.
  • Folate– An essential vitamin that plays a vital role in DNA synthesis and repair by encouraging cell and tissue growth.
  • L-carnitine– Plays a crucial role in the production of energy in cells and increases mental focus.
  • Magnesium– Is used as a sleep aid and can also relieve anxiety.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids– Essential for brain development, omega-3s can also help to reduce depression.
  • Probiotics– These microorganisms are a benefit to the immune system and gut function.
  • Vitamin B6– As one of the B complex vitamins, B6 is a metabolic aid that maintains healthy nerve function.
  • Vitamin E– Boosts the immune system and helps to detoxify the body.
  • Zinc– Supports a healthy appetite and strengthens the immune system.

Due to the variability of the underlying brain function problems in ASD, SPECT brain imaging is extremely useful for revealing otherwise hidden information, which helps us select the best course of treatment for each person with the disorder. Along with SPECT scans, a detailed clinical history, neuropsychological testing and laboratory studies may be used to target treatment specifically to the brain using the least toxic, most effective means.

Autism is a multi-faceted and misunderstood condition. Amen Clinics can help decipher the right treatments and protocols. If you would like to learn more, please visit us online or call 1-888-288-9834.

14 Comments »

  1. Not sure how you read folic acid, but it says folate in the list. You might want to read the article more slowly next time.

    Comment by Tricia Harris — November 10, 2017 @ 5:11 AM

  2. It was quite amazing how you pointed out the different vitamins and minerals that help in the improvement of children with autism, but what I liked the most was when you mentioned L-carnitine. Like you said, this supplement helps in the production of energy in the person’s cells as well as increase mental focus. I have a younger sibling that has autism, and it’s quite frustrating to get him to focus sometimes. Maybe using this supplement will help the both of us. Thanks for sharing. I’d love to try this out.

    Comment by Julius Wither Amberfield — December 19, 2017 @ 11:03 PM

  3. Hello Tricia, Folate is one of the B vitamins; forms of which are known as folic acid and vitamin B9. Thank you for reading out blog and reaching out!

    Comment by Amen Clinics — December 20, 2017 @ 8:19 AM

  4. Are there specific brands recommended for these supplements? And time of day given?

    Comment by Susan E — October 2, 2018 @ 9:48 PM

  5. Hello Susan, Dr. Amen’s recommended supplement brand can be found at https://www.brainmdhealth.com/.

    Comment by Amen Clinics — October 3, 2018 @ 7:47 AM

  6. I have a 6 year old ASD/ADHD son based in Korea. We are currently struggling to find the right treatment as support in South Korea is minimal.

    I am exploring the possibility of visiting you clinic sometime between April/July. I will like to know what treatment options are available and also how much an evaluation and treatment package will cost?

    Best regards,

    Joseph.

    Comment by Joseph Intsiful — February 3, 2019 @ 10:15 PM

  7. Hello! Thank you for all the terrific information! One important point, though. Most kiddos with autism have at least one MTHFR variant, which means that they cannot effectively convert folate. Therefore, most autistic people need methyl folate as a supplement.

    Comment by Lynn — May 10, 2019 @ 3:06 AM

  8. My son who has Autism is on 3 of these supplement (magnesium, omega 3 and probiotics) . What I’m still not sure about is the dosage of what to give him. I give him adult dose. He just turned 10. Thank you!

    Comment by Charisse Guinto — May 23, 2019 @ 4:38 PM

  9. But there are many ways to help minimize the symptoms and maximize abilities. People who have ASD have the best chance of using all of their abilities and skills if they receive appropriate therapies and interventions.

    Comment by Kevin Nelson — April 9, 2022 @ 3:54 AM

  10. please send me more info

    Comment by Rosalie corpuz — November 28, 2022 @ 12:05 PM

  11. My nine year old grandson is on the spectrum plus I am a special need’s teacher. What type of doses are needed for each of the supplements?

    Comment by Deborah Fesmire — January 1, 2023 @ 5:44 PM

  12. Hello Deborah, thank you for reaching out. For information about Dr. Daniel Amen's recommended, brain-directed supplements, please visit https://brainmd.com/.

    Comment by Amen Clinics — January 9, 2023 @ 9:20 AM

  13. I live in Fouke Ar. Zip 71837. Close to Texarkana, Ar. 75504. Are there any Amen
    Clinics near me. I need help for a 5-6 yr. Old.
    Thank you

    Comment by Mariam Pope — September 26, 2023 @ 8:34 AM

  14. Hello Mariam, thank you for reaching out. At this time, Amen Clinics has 11 locations nationwide: https://www.amenclinics.com/locations/. For more information about brain SPECT scans and our services, please contact our Care Coordinators: https://www.amenclinics.com/schedule-visit/.

    Comment by Amen Clinics — October 2, 2023 @ 10:51 AM

RSS feed for comments on this post.

Leave a comment

Contact Us