Can Micronutrients Help with Autism Spectrum Disorder?

According to Health Canada, one in 66 Canadian children and youth (ages 5-17) have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 56% of children and youth are diagnosed by age 6, and more than 90% are diagnosed by age 12. This is according to 2015 data released by Health Canada.

"1 in 66 Canadian children and youth have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder "

Simply put, “Autism Spectrum Disorder, or autism, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts brain development causing most individuals to experience communication problems, difficulty with social interactions and a tendency to repeat specific patterns of behaviour.” Autism Canada

Every case of ASD is different, and symptoms can be mild ranging from having difficulties forming relationships, through to self-injury, and aggression in severe cases. As might be expected of such a complex condition, there are wide ranging accepted treatments and therapies to help. Today we’re going to focus on just one, but you can check out Autism Canada for a full variety of approaches.

Can ASD be improved with vitamins and minerals?

Click here to go directly to the research!

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A 2010 study published in the Journal of Adolescent Psychopharmacology studied this question. One group was given conventional treatment, and the other was given micronutrients in the form of Truehope EMP. 

The results showed that both groups improved on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale and the Childhood Psychiatric Rating Scale. Both groups also showed decreases in total Aberrant Behaviour Checklist Scores.

​At first glance it looks like the groups did equally well, but the Truehope EMP group improved significantly more. Self-injurious behaviour was less than in the group following conventional treatment, and the micronutrient group improved more in the Clinical Global Impressions Scale. This measures the severity of symptoms and the treatment response of mental health concerns that are often associated with ASD.

We can’t say for sure whether the improvements seen in the Truehope EMP group were affecting the actual ASD, or improving an associated mood disorder. Regardless, the results were very promising as the Truehope EMP micronutrient treatment resulted in:

• Lower activity level
• Less social withdrawal
• Less anger
• Better spontaneity
• Less irritability
• Lower intensity of self-injurious behaviour
• Fewer adverse events
• Less weight gain

Using micronutrients as part of a multi-faceted approach to work with ASD is a promising area of research and not one to be dismissed. 

What have you found to help with ASD in your home? Have you considered nutritional supplementation to help your children? 
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For more approaches on how to help manage ASD visit http://autismcanada.org