Children with ASD aged 5–9 years who received probiotic supplements for 3 months showed improvements in their GI microbiota, GI symptoms, and the severity of their ASD symptoms, behaviors, and functioning (Shaaban et al., 2018).
Children with autism have been reported to have lower levels of Bifidobacteria and higher levels of Lactobacillus [68–70]. Gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life in those with autism were improved by adding Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium mixture to the diet [71, 72].
Two of the most recommended probiotic strains for autism and IBS are Lactobacillus reuteri and Bifidobacterium. These can be useful tools in addition to incorporating whole probiotic-rich foods into your child's diet.
SmartyPants is our top probiotic choice for autistic children because it's a third-party tested, a potentially effective prebiotic and probiotic combination, in a kid-friendly strawberry-crème flavor.
For some children, sensory toys such as squeeze balls and fidget toys, weighted blankets, their favorite videos, or activities can help them manage their emotions. You can set up a calming routine that the child practices on a regular basis, and make it part of their daily schedule.
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 most common gastrointestinal complaints in autism are constipation, diarrhea, and gastroesophageal reflux2 (heartburn). Reports of GI problems in children with ASD range from 9 to 70 percent, with autism clinics reporting the higher amount, according to an article in the journal Pediatrics.
Some more recommended food items that help autism symptoms include: Prebiotic-rich foods (apples, asparagus, leeks, garlic, onions, bananas, and chicory root)
Similarly, if nerves in the gut become inflamed or damaged due to leaky gut, then the transfer of nerve signals that influence mental performance will also be negatively impacted. Therefore, a leaky gut can worsen the symptoms of ADHD and autism [5, 7].
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.
Vitamin D is very important for immune system function and regulation. If there is a deficiency in vitamin D it can result in chronic infections! The important thing is to have the vitamin D levels checked, this can be done with a very simple at home test that is very cost effective.
Treatment for high-functioning autism
Occupational therapy, physical therapy, and talk therapy are all alternatives for autism treatment. However, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is commonly regarded as the "gold standard" of autism therapy.
Recent studies suggest that microbiota change in children with ASD after the ingestion of probiotics may improve the balance of microbiota and thus ASD symptoms.
Casein is the main protein in dairy products such as cow's milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream. Some research has shown that this diet may improve some symptoms of autism like hyperactivity and communication, but it has not shown to improve digestive symptoms.
Vitamin D has been suggested as a therapy to improve symptoms of ASD including speech [18].
fruits such as apples, avocados, blueberries, kiwi fruit, grapes, plums, strawberries, vegetables such as cauliflower, cucumber, mushrooms, radish, eggplant, spinach, tomato, broccoli. nuts such as peanuts, pistachios, almonds.
Overall, our work suggests that anthocyanins extracted from Portuguese blueberries could constitute an effective strategy to ameliorate typical autistic behaviors through modulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
According to many studies on the gut microbiome, MTT can potentially treat autism-like symptoms, including the restoration of healthy gut microbiome composition in the gestation period and early stage of infancy.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous, behaviorally defined, neurodevelopmental disorder that has been modeled as a brain-based disease. The behavioral and cognitive features of ASD are associated with pervasive atypicalities in the central nervous system (CNS).
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.
Researchers found Vitamin B6 with Magnesium has the potential effects to alleviate the core symptoms of autism. A possible association higher doses of vitamin B6-Magnesium supplementation may reduce biochemical abnormalities e.g. reduction of urinary excretion of homovanillic acid and improve neurobehavioral symptoms.
Low vitamin D levels in utero, postnatal, and in early childhood have been hypothesized to be a risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly ASD.
We have previously shown that dietary zinc supplementation for 6 weeks post-weaning can prevent ASD-associated behavioural deficits and adjust the structure and function of glutamatergic cortico-striatal synapses in Shank3 deficient mice [45].