Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) isn’t just one single condition but a spectrum of disorders, affecting how individuals communicate, behave, and interact with others. This means the needs and abilities of someone with autism can vary widely. Some might need significant help with daily life, while others live entirely independently.
Nutrition plays a surprisingly vital role in managing symptoms and boosting overall health for those on the spectrum. Proper nutrition can enhance mood, improve communication and social skills, and even reduce some of those challenging behaviors associated with autism.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. Many individuals with autism face hurdles when it comes to food. Sensory sensitivities might make certain textures or smells intolerable, leading to picky eating. Additionally, gastrointestinal issues are common, which can further complicate dietary habits. Food allergies and intolerances also crop up more frequently in those with autism, making it even trickier to ensure they get the nutrients they need.
Top Essential Nutrients for Individuals with Autism
In my search for an intervention to help my son with what was believed to but not officially diagnosed as Autism, I came across the work of Dr. William Shaw. His book, Biological Treatments for Autism & PDD, was first published in 1998 and is presently in the 3rd edition of publication. This book became a staple in my approach to help my son. As stated before, consult with a health professional. Your pediatrician should be aware of any additional supplements you introduce. There are pediatricians that may be more in tuned to this approach than other doctors. Not all physicians are knowledgeable about vitamins simply because of lack of exposure in medical school. Maybe this is an opportunity to share your findings with your physician and together you can and then reach out to a nutritionist.
Although heavy with scientific jargon, I was able to glean the information I needed to bring supplements into his existing GFCF diet (gluten free casein free diet).
Calcium & Magnesium
Calcium deficiency can present a problem with a milk free diet as cow’s milk is a good source of calcium as well as protein and vitamin D. The amount of calcium supplementation is very important to consider for your child’s age. For my son at the age of 3, it was recommended he receive 800 mg of Calcium along with 200 mg of magnesium. As his book states, “Do not exceed recommendations because excessive doses of magnesium can be fatal” I found a liquid solution that was flavored and would mix this in his juice along with other supplements. I was a fan of the Bluebonnet Liquid.
Liquid Calcium Magnesium Citrate & Vitamin D3 Description from Bluebonnet
Bluebonnet’s Liquid Calcium Magnesium Citrate & Vitamin D3 is formulated with calcium in a chelate of calcium citrate, as well as magnesium in a chelate of magnesium citrate and magnesium aspartate in a delicious mixed berry flavor. This formula also contains vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) from lanolin for strong, healthy bones. One tablespoon provided 600mg of Calcium and 300 of Magnesium. The little extra of magnesium was approved by my son’s pediatrician}
Recommended calcium and magnesium per Biological Treatments for Autism and PDD
Dr. William Shaw
1-2 years old Calcium 600 mg Magnesium 100mg
3-4 y/o Calcium 800 mg Magnesium 200 mg
5-10 y/o Calcium 1000 mg Magnesium 250 mg
over 10 y/o Calcium 1000-1200 mg Magnesium 350 mg
(Shaw, 2008, p. 83)
Vitamin D3 goes beyond just bone health; it plays a role in mood regulation and immune support. Sunlight is a natural source, but in colder climates, supplements might be necessary. Again, check with your doctor. The above sample has 10 mcg per tablespoon.
Omega-3 fatty acids are like gold for brain health, especially for those with autism. These healthy fats might help with reducing hyperactivity and improving focus. Fish like salmon or supplements can be good sources. I would use Carlson Norwegian Fish Oil in a liquid form. The use of fish oil from a brown bottle is believed to be the better choice as there is a less likely chance of rancidness as one may fond occurs in fish oil capsules.
Magnesium has a calming effect, which can help manage anxiety and irritability. Foods like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds are natural sources, but magnesium supplements can be handy too.
Vitamin B6 (along with above mentioned magnesium) has been evaluated as a treatment for autism and has proven to provide positive results. The recommended doses from Dr. Shaw’s book are higher than the USDA’s recommended doses and therefor there is some controversy. He cites various studies that have shown a dosage of B6 100 mg to 600 mg daily showed marked improvement. In his book he states, ” the children showed a remarkably wide range of benefits from the B6. There was better eye contact, less self-stimulatory behavior, more interest in the world around them, fewer tantrums, more speech….”(Shaw, 2008, p. 128)
I believe my son showed improvement in his speech and after introducing 250 mg of B6 when he was a normal weight at the age of 3 years old. I would open up the capsule and place this in his juice along with the other supplements. Added magnesium from his calcium supplement as mentioned above helped with a possible side effect of the dosage of B6 causing increased irritability, sound sensitivity and bed wetting. My son did not exhibit these side effects.
Dr Shaw states, ” People vary enormously in their need for B6. The children who improved under B6 improved because they needed B6. Autism is thus in many cases a vitamin B6 dependency syndrome” (Shaw, 2008, p. 128)
He also wrote, “While no patient has been cured with vitamin B6 and magnesium treatment, there have been many instances where remarkable improvement has been achieved.”
(Shaw, 2008, p. 129)
“Nothing is perfectly safe, but B6 is exceptionally safe, …. An autistic person will improve on high dosage B6 only if that person’s body requires extra B6. The benefits of B6 often start within a few days. If no benefits are seen three to four weeks (in about 50% of the cases), or if any signs of peripheral neuropathy appear (very rare), stop giving the B6.” (Shaw, 2008, p. 131)
Dimethylglycine (DMG)
Historically, DMG was known as an immune booster. “The immune systems of the animals given DMG showed 00 to 00.00 better response than the control.” (Shaw, 2008, p. 131). But Dr. Shaw reveals information that this readily available, small, sweet tasting chewable tablet, has shown to improve speech in children. DMG is classified as a food not a drug or supplement. I would purchase this at my local health food store and was individually wrapped in foil. No one company has the rights to make DMD it is relatively cheap in cost. There are many parents who have reported there was an improvement of speech as well as behavior.
“If DMG is going to work, its effects will usually be seen within a week or so, though it should be tried for at least q few weeks or a month before giving up. ” (Shaw 2008, p. 133)
I tried using this in addition to my son’s supplements already in place. He was on such a road to improvement that I cannot honestly note any particular improvement. Thus, the importance of pausing in between diet and supplement and continuous documentation. As I can reflect, I realize how at this stage I was a little overzealous as I was so excited of the improvement in my son’s overall speech and behavior. As this is considered a food with no side effects ever noted, I believe it is worth trying. We did one tablet a day as suggested on the box.
Dr. Shaw has expressed his belief that studies and promotions of DMG are not in the forefront as there is no money to be made with this simply classified “food” supplement. This statement could lead to controversial statements about “Big Pharma”. I think there is a way to weigh out prescription drugs and a more natural approach. If you find the right doctor, like I did, they will listen to your wishes and work with your attempts to try the treatments I have mentioned thus far.
Bring supplements in their containers to the professional…
Personal Insights
I strongly recommend that you have a health professional involved in your approach of adding this supplement or any supplement. Bring supplements in their containers to your child’s doctor or dietician visit. It helps to have an extra set of eyes in what could be an overwhelming time for you. I am only sharing my experiences and knowledge acquired and what helped my son. Every child is different and a professional who can help guide you in these efforts is crucial. I recall how overwhelmed I felt with just trying to help my son and facing the unknown of what his world and his future may be thus good documentation on your part is helpful and essential. This can keep your thoughts clearer by documenting what you provide to your child and any positive or negative outcomes give you a concise recall.
Regardless of your child’s needs being a parent is a difficult and also a rewarding job. One that is the most loved job you may ever have. My thinking was sometimes clouded, and I would take breaks from the amount of studying and material I would consume. Therefore, outside help and support with the steps I took was very crucial. My husband was the supporter, I was the “doer”. My pediatrician was incredibly helpful and backed my decisions as she saw his improvement. Those family members that gave me sideway glances or offered snide remarks were less included in what we were doing to help my son. It was foreign for some people that removing cow’s milk was a vital no-no as it is a staple in the American diet. I learned to sidestep their input and chucked it up to limited knowledge.