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* There is no pharmacologic medical therapy to completely cure autism spectrum disorder. However, pharmacologic medical therapy is recommended among patients with autism spectrum disorder to relieve common autistic symptoms such as [[Seizure|seizures]], [[Sleep disorder|sleep disturbances]], [[irritability]], and [[hyperactivity]].<ref name="Levy" /><ref>{{cite book |author= Schreibman L |title= The Science and Fiction of Autism |date=2005 |publisher= Harvard University Press |isbn=0674019318 |chapter= Critical evaluation of issues in autism |chapterurl=http://www.hup.harvard.edu/pdf/SCHSCI_excerpt.pdf}}</ref>
* There is no pharmacologic medical therapy to completely cure autism spectrum disorder. However, pharmacologic medical therapy is recommended among patients with autism spectrum disorder to relieve common autistic symptoms such as [[Seizure|seizures]], [[Sleep disorder|sleep disturbances]], [[irritability]], and [[hyperactivity]].<ref name="Levy" /><ref>{{cite book |author= Schreibman L |title= The Science and Fiction of Autism |date=2005 |publisher= Harvard University Press |isbn=0674019318 |chapter= Critical evaluation of issues in autism |chapterurl=http://www.hup.harvard.edu/pdf/SCHSCI_excerpt.pdf}}</ref>
* Medical therapy must be accompanied by behavioral therapies to be more effective.
* Medical therapy must be accompanied by behavioral therapies to be more effective.
* Risperidone is approved by FDA to control irritability for children between 5 years and 16 years of age.
* Risperidone is approved by FDA to control irritability for children between 5 years and 16 years of age.<ref>{{cite journal |journal= Pediatr Drugs |year=2007 |volume=9 |issue=4 |pages=249–66 |title= Atypical antipsychotics in children with pervasive developmental disorders |author= Chavez B, Chavez-Brown M, Sopko MA Jr, Rey JA |pmid=17705564}}</ref>
* Other drugs might be used to improve symptoms of autism.
* Other drugs might be used to improve symptoms of autism. However, drugs must be prescribed on a trial basis to check their efficacy and safety.


===Prescription Medication===
=== Autism ===
Medications are often used to treat problems associated with ASD. More than half of U.S. children diagnosed with ASD are prescribed [[psychoactive drug]]s or [[anticonvulsant]]s, with the most common drug classes being [[antidepressant]]s, [[stimulant]]s, and [[antipsychotic]]s.<ref name="Oswald">{{cite journal |journal= J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol |date=2007 |volume=17 |issue=3 |pages=348–55 |title= Medication use among children with autism spectrum disorders |author= Oswald DP, Sonenklar NA |doi=10.1089/cap.2006.17303 |pmid=17630868}}</ref> Only the antipsychotics have clearly demonstrated efficacy.<ref name="Posey" />
'''Adult'''
 
*** Preferred regimen (1): drug name 100 mg PO q12h for 10-21 days '''(Contraindications/specific instructions)'''
Research has focused on [[atypical antipsychotics]], especially [[risperidone]], which has the largest amount of evidence that consistently shows improvements in irritability, self-injury, aggression, and tantrums associated with ASD.<ref>{{cite journal |journal= Pediatr Drugs |year=2007 |volume=9 |issue=4 |pages=249–66 |title= Atypical antipsychotics in children with pervasive developmental disorders |author= Chavez B, Chavez-Brown M, Sopko MA Jr, Rey JA |pmid=17705564}}</ref> In the United States, [[risperidone]] is approved for treating symptomatic irritability in autistic children and adolescents aged 5–16 years. In short-term trials (up to 6 months) most adverse events were mild to moderate, with [[weight gain]], [[drowsiness]], and [[high blood sugar]] requiring monitoring. Its long term efficacy and safety have not been fully determined.<ref name="Scott">{{cite journal |journal= Pediatr Drugs |year=2007 |volume=9 |issue=5 |pages=343–54 |title= Risperidone: a review of its use in the treatment of irritability associated with autistic disorder in children and adolescents |author= Scott LJ, Dhillon S |pmid=17927305}}</ref> It is unclear whether risperidone improves autism's core social and communication deficits.<ref name="Posey">{{cite journal |journal= J Clin Invest |date=2008 |volume=118 |issue=1 |pages=6–14 |title= Antipsychotics in the treatment of autism |author= Posey DJ, Stigler KA, Erickson CA, McDougle CJ |doi=10.1172/JCI32483 |pmid=18172517 |url=http://www.jci.org/cgi/content/full/118/1/6}}</ref>
*** Preferred regimen (2): drug name 500 mg PO q8h for 14-21 days
 
*** Preferred regimen (3): drug name 500 mg q12h for 14-21 days
Other drugs are prescribed [[off-label]] in the U.S., which means they have not been approved for treating ASD. Large [[placebo]]-controlled studies of [[olanzapine]] and [[aripiprazole]] were underway in early 2008.<ref name="Posey" /> Some [[selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor]]s (SSRIs) and [[dopamine]] blockers can reduce some maladaptive behaviors associated with ASD.<ref name="pharmacotherapy">{{cite journal |journal= Expert Opin Pharmacother |year=2007 |volume=8 |issue=11 |pages=1579–603 |title= The status of pharmacotherapy for autism spectrum disorders |author= Myers SM |doi=10.1517/14656566.8.11.1579 |pmid=17685878}}</ref> The limited data for SSRIs suggest that they may be helpful for obsessions/compulsions, but that children may have a worse response than adults and may suffer more adverse affects, such as suicidal impulses.<ref name="Angley1" /> One study found that the psychostimulant [[methylphenidate]] was efficacious against hyperactivity associated with ASD, though with less response than in neurotypical children with ADHD.<ref name="Angley1" /> A 1998 study of the hormone [[secretin]] reported improved symptoms and generated tremendous interest, but several controlled studies since have found no benefit.<ref name="Francis" />
*** Alternative regimen (1): drug name 500 mg PO q6h for 7–10 days
 
*** Alternative regimen (2): drug name 500 mg PO q12h for 14–21 days
There is scant reliable research about the effectiveness or safety of drug treatments for adolescents and adults with ASD.<ref name="Angley1">{{cite journal |journal= Aust Fam Physician |year=2007 |volume=36 |issue=9 |pages=741–4 |title= Children and autism—part 1—recognition and pharmacological management |author= Angley M, Young R, Ellis D, Chan W, McKinnon R |pmid=17915375 |url=http://www.racgp.org.au/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/AustralianFamilyPhys/2007issues/afp200709/200709angley.pdf |format=PDF}}</ref> Results of the handful of [[randomized control trial]]s that have been performed suggest that risperidone, the SSRI [[fluvoxamine]], and the typical antipsychotic [[haloperidol]] may be effective in reducing some behaviors, that haloperidol may be more effective than the tricyclic antidepressant [[clomipramine]], and that the opiate antagonist [[naltrexone hydrochloride]] is not effective.<ref name="Broadstock">{{cite journal |journal=Autism |date=2007 |volume=11 |issue=4 |pages=335–48 |title= Systematic review of the effectiveness of pharmacological treatments for adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder |author= Broadstock M, Doughty C, Eggleston M |doi=10.1177/1362361307078132 |pmid=17656398}}</ref> A person with ASD may respond atypically to medications, the medications can have adverse side effects, and no known medication relieves autism's core symptoms of social and communication impairments.<ref>{{cite paper |author=Strock M |date=2007 |title= Autism spectrum disorders (pervasive developmental disorders) |publisher= National Institute of Mental Health |url=http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/autism/complete-publication.shtml |accessdate=2007-10-05}}</ref>
*** Alternative regimen (3): drug name 500 mg PO q6h for 14–21 days
** 1.1.2 '''Pediatric'''
*** 1.1.2.1 (Specific population e.g. '''children 5-16 years of age''')
**** Preferred regimen (1): risperidone
Note (1): Short term side effects are [[weight gain]], [[drowsiness]], and [[hyperglycemia]].
**** Preferred regimen (2): drug name 30 mg/kg PO per day in 2 divided doses (maximum, 500 mg per dose)
**** Alternative regimen (1): drug name10 mg/kg PO q6h (maximum, 500 mg per day)
**** Alternative regimen (2): drug name 7.5 mg/kg PO q12h (maximum, 500 mg per dose)
**** Alternative regimen (3): drug name 12.5 mg/kg PO q6h (maximum, 500 mg per dose)
*** 1.1.2.2 (Specific population e.g. '<nowiki/>'''''children < 8 years of age'''''')
**** Preferred regimen (1): drug name 4 mg/kg/day PO q12h(maximum, 100 mg per dose)
**** Alternative regimen (1): drug name 10 mg/kg PO q6h (maximum, 500 mg per day)
**** Alternative regimen (2): drug name 7.5 mg/kg PO q12h (maximum, 500 mg per dose)
**** Alternative regimen (3): drug name 12.5 mg/kg PO q6h (maximum, 500 mg per dose)
* [[selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor]]s (SSRIs)<ref name="pharmacotherapy">{{cite journal |journal= Expert Opin Pharmacother |year=2007 |volume=8 |issue=11 |pages=1579–603 |title= The status of pharmacotherapy for autism spectrum disorders |author= Myers SM |doi=10.1517/14656566.8.11.1579 |pmid=17685878}}</ref>
* [[fluvoxamine]]
Note: One of the most important side effects of SSRIs in children with ASD is suicidal impulses.
* [[dopamine]] blockers
* Tricyclic antidepressant
** [[clomipramine]]
* antipsychotic
** [[haloperidol]]
*
* [[olanzapine]] <ref name="Posey">{{cite journal |journal= J Clin Invest |date=2008 |volume=118 |issue=1 |pages=6–14 |title= Antipsychotics in the treatment of autism |author= Posey DJ, Stigler KA, Erickson CA, McDougle CJ |doi=10.1172/JCI32483 |pmid=18172517 |url=http://www.jci.org/cgi/content/full/118/1/6}}</ref>
* [[aripiprazole]]
* psychostimulant
** [[methylphenidate]] to treat hyperactivity


===Supplements===
===Supplements===
Many parents give their children vitamin and other nutritional supplements in an attempt to treat autism or to alleviate its symptoms. The range of supplements given is wide; few are supported by scientific data, but most have relatively mild side effects.<ref name="Levy" /><ref name="Angley2" />
* Supplements might be used to alleviate the symptoms of autism.
 
* High dose [[pyridoxine]] ([[vitamin B6]]) and [[magnesium]] (HPDM)
Nutritional supplementation with high dose [[pyridoxine]] ([[vitamin B6]]) and [[magnesium]] (HPDM) is claimed to alleviate the symptoms of autism and is one of the most popular complementary and alternative medicine choices for autism. Three small [[randomized controlled trial]]s have studied this therapy; the smallest one (with 8 individuals) found improved verbal IQ in the treatment group and the other two (with 10 and 15 individuals, respectively) found no significant difference.<ref name="Angley2" /> Due to the limited data it is difficult to tell whether this treatment approach has effects greater than placebo.<ref name="Francis" /> The short-term side effects seem to be mild, but there may be significant long-term side effects, as high doses of pyridoxine cause [[peripheral neuropathy]] in adults,<ref name="Angley2">{{cite journal |journal= Aust Fam Physician |year=2007 |volume=36 |issue=10 |pages=827–30 |title= Children and autism—part 2—management with complementary medicines and dietary interventions |author= Angley M, Semple S, Hewton C, Paterson F, McKinnon R |pmid=17925903 |url=http://www.racgp.org.au/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/AustralianFamilyPhys/2007issues/afp200710/200710angley.pdf |format=PDF}}</ref> high doses of magnesium can cause reduced heart rate and weakened reflexes,<ref name="Herbert">{{cite journal |author=Herbert JD, Sharp IR, Gaudiano BA |title=Separating fact from fiction in the etiology and treatment of autism: a scientific review of the evidence |journal=S ci Rev Ment Health Pract |volume=1 |issue=1 |pages=23–43 |year=2002 |url=http://www.srmhp.org/0101/autism.html}}</ref> and high magnesium concentrations are associated with seizures.<ref name="Schechtman" /> Magnesium should always be taken along with high doses of pyridoxine to prevent side effects such as irritability and sensitivity to sound.<ref name="Francis">{{cite journal |journal= Dev Med Child Neurol |date=2005 |volume=47 |issue=7 |pages=493–9 |title= Autism interventions: a critical update |author= Francis K |pmid=15991872 |url=http://journals.cambridge.org/production/action/cjoGetFulltext?fulltextid=313204 |format=PDF}}</ref>
** It is the most popular supplement that is used for autism. However, due to the limited data it is not scientifically proven to be more effective than placebo.<ref name="Angley2">{{cite journal |journal= Aust Fam Physician |year=2007 |volume=36 |issue=10 |pages=827–30 |title= Children and autism—part 2—management with complementary medicines and dietary interventions |author= Angley M, Semple S, Hewton C, Paterson F, McKinnon R |pmid=17925903 |url=http://www.racgp.org.au/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/AustralianFamilyPhys/2007issues/afp200710/200710angley.pdf |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name="Francis">{{cite journal |journal= Dev Med Child Neurol |date=2005 |volume=47 |issue=7 |pages=493–9 |title= Autism interventions: a critical update |author= Francis K |pmid=15991872 |url=http://journals.cambridge.org/production/action/cjoGetFulltext?fulltextid=313204 |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name="Herbert">{{cite journal |author=Herbert JD, Sharp IR, Gaudiano BA |title=Separating fact from fiction in the etiology and treatment of autism: a scientific review of the evidence |journal=S ci Rev Ment Health Pract |volume=1 |issue=1 |pages=23–43 |year=2002 |url=http://www.srmhp.org/0101/autism.html}}</ref>
 
Note: Side effect of high dose of pyridoxine is [[peripheral neuropathy]] in adults.
[[Dimethylglycine]] (DMG) is hypothesized to improve speech and reduce autistic behaviors,<ref name="Angley2" /> and is a commonly used supplement.<ref name="Levy" /> Two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies found no statistically significant effect on autistic behaviors,<ref name="Angley2" /> and reported few side effects. No peer-reviewed studies have addressed treatment with the related compound [[trimethylglycine]].<ref name="Levy" />
 
[[Vitamin C]] decreased stereotyped behavior in a small 1993 study. The study has not been replicated, and vitamin C has limited popularity as an autism treatment. High doses might cause kidney stones or gastrointestinal upset such as diarrhea.<ref name="Levy" />


[[Probiotic]]s containing potentially beneficial [[bacteria]] are hypothesized to relieve some symptoms of autism by minimizing yeast overgrowth in the colon. The hypothesized yeast overgrowth has not been confirmed by [[endoscopy]], the mechanism connecting yeast overgrowth to autism is only hypothetical, and no clinical trials to date have been published in the peer-reviewed literature. No negative side effects have been reported.<ref name="Levy">{{cite journal |journal= Ment Retard Dev Disabil Res Rev |year=2005 |volume=11 |issue=2 |pages=131–42 |title= Novel treatments for autistic spectrum disorders |author= Levy SE, Hyman SL |doi=10.1002/mrdd.20062 |pmid=15977319}}</ref>
Note: Side effects of high doses of magnesium are bradycardia, weakened reflexes, and seizures.
* [[Dimethylglycine]] (DMG)
** It is used to improve speech and reduce autistic behaviors.


[[Melatonin]] is sometimes used to manage sleep problems in developmental disorders. One small open trial found a statistically significant reduction in sleep latency in children with ASD. Adverse effects are generally reported to be mild, including drowsiness, headache, dizziness, and nausea; however, an increase in seizure frequency is reported among susceptible children.<ref name="Angley2" />
* [[Vitamin C]]  
** In one study Vitamin C decreased stereotyped behavior.
Note: Side effects of high doses of vitamin C are kidney stones and diarrhea.
* [[Probiotic]]s
** They are used to relieve some symptoms of autism by minimizing yeast overgrowth in the colon.<ref name="Levy">{{cite journal |journal= Ment Retard Dev Disabil Res Rev |year=2005 |volume=11 |issue=2 |pages=131–42 |title= Novel treatments for autistic spectrum disorders |author= Levy SE, Hyman SL |doi=10.1002/mrdd.20062 |pmid=15977319}}</ref>


Several other supplements have been hypothesized to relieve autism symptoms, including [[carnosine]], [[cyproheptadine]], [[D-cycloserine]], [[folic acid]], [[glutathione]], [[metallothionein]] promoters, [[oxytocin]], [[polyunsaturated fatty acid]]s (PUFA) such as [[omega-3]] or [[omega-6]] fatty acids, [[tryptophan]], [[tyrosine]], thiamine (see [[#Chelation therapy|Chelation therapy]]), [[vitamin B12]], and [[zinc]]. None of these have reliable scientific evidence of efficacy or safety in treatment of autism.<ref name="Levy" /><ref name="Angley2" />
* [[Melatonin]]
** It is used to manage sleep problems in developmental disorders.
Note: Side effects of melatonin are drowsiness, headache, dizziness, nausea, and an increase in seizure frequency among susceptible children.<ref name="Angley2" />
* Several other supplements have been hypothesized to relieve autism symptoms which include [[carnosine]], [[cyproheptadine]], [[D-cycloserine]], [[folic acid]], [[glutathione]], [[metallothionein]] promoters, [[oxytocin]], [[polyunsaturated fatty acid]]s (PUFA) such as [[omega-3]] or [[omega-6]] fatty acids, [[tryptophan]], [[tyrosine]], thiamine (see [[#Chelation therapy|Chelation therapy]]), [[vitamin B12]], and [[zinc]].<ref name="Levy" /><ref name="Angley2" />


===Diets===
===Diets===
{{see|Gluten-free, casein-free diet}}
Atypical eating behavior occurs in about three-quarters of children with ASD, to the extent that it was formerly a diagnostic indicator. Selectivity is the most common problem, although eating rituals and food refusal also occur;<ref name="Dominick">{{cite journal |journal= Res Dev Disabil |year=2007 |volume=28 |issue=2 |pages=145–62 |title= Atypical behaviors in children with autism and children with a history of language impairment |author= Dominick KC, Davis NO, Lainhart J, Tager-Flusberg H, Folstein S |doi=10.1016/j.ridd.2006.02.003 |pmid=16581226}}</ref> this does not appear to result in [[malnutrition]]. Although some children with autism also have [[gastrointestinal]] (GI) symptoms, there is a lack of published rigorous data to support the theory that autistic children have more or different GI symptoms than usual;<ref>{{cite journal |journal= J Autism Dev Disord |date=2005 |volume=35 |issue=6 |pages=713–27 |title= Gastrointestinal factors in autistic disorder: a critical review |author= Erickson CA, Stigler KA, Corkins MR, Posey DJ, Fitzgerald JF, McDougle CJ |doi=10.1007/s10803-005-0019-4 |pmid=16267642}}</ref> studies report conflicting results, and the relationship between GI problems and ASD is unclear.<ref name="CCD">{{cite journal |journal=Pediatrics |date=2007 |volume=120 |issue=5 |pages=1162–82 |title= Management of children with autism spectrum disorders |author= Myers SM, Johnson CP, Council on Children with Disabilities |doi=10.1542/peds.2007-2362 |pmid=17967921 |url=http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/120/5/1162 |laysummary=http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/oct07autism.htm |laysource=AAP |laydate=2007-10-29}}</ref>
Atypical eating behavior occurs in about three-quarters of children with ASD, to the extent that it was formerly a diagnostic indicator. Selectivity is the most common problem, although eating rituals and food refusal also occur;<ref name="Dominick">{{cite journal |journal= Res Dev Disabil |year=2007 |volume=28 |issue=2 |pages=145–62 |title= Atypical behaviors in children with autism and children with a history of language impairment |author= Dominick KC, Davis NO, Lainhart J, Tager-Flusberg H, Folstein S |doi=10.1016/j.ridd.2006.02.003 |pmid=16581226}}</ref> this does not appear to result in [[malnutrition]]. Although some children with autism also have [[gastrointestinal]] (GI) symptoms, there is a lack of published rigorous data to support the theory that autistic children have more or different GI symptoms than usual;<ref>{{cite journal |journal= J Autism Dev Disord |date=2005 |volume=35 |issue=6 |pages=713–27 |title= Gastrointestinal factors in autistic disorder: a critical review |author= Erickson CA, Stigler KA, Corkins MR, Posey DJ, Fitzgerald JF, McDougle CJ |doi=10.1007/s10803-005-0019-4 |pmid=16267642}}</ref> studies report conflicting results, and the relationship between GI problems and ASD is unclear.<ref name="CCD">{{cite journal |journal=Pediatrics |date=2007 |volume=120 |issue=5 |pages=1162–82 |title= Management of children with autism spectrum disorders |author= Myers SM, Johnson CP, Council on Children with Disabilities |doi=10.1542/peds.2007-2362 |pmid=17967921 |url=http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/120/5/1162 |laysummary=http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/oct07autism.htm |laysource=AAP |laydate=2007-10-29}}</ref>



Revision as of 02:57, 1 April 2018

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Many medications are used to treat problems associated with ASD.[1] More than half of U.S. children diagnosed with ASD are prescribed psychoactive drugs or anticonvulsants, with the most common drug classes being antidepressants, stimulants, and antipsychotics.[2] Aside from antipsychotics,[3] there is scant reliable research about the effectiveness or safety of drug treatments for adolescents and adults with ASD.[4] A person with ASD may respond atypically to medications, the medications can have adverse effects, and no known medication relieves autism's core symptoms of social and communication impairments.[5][6]

Medical Therapy

  • There is no pharmacologic medical therapy to completely cure autism spectrum disorder. However, pharmacologic medical therapy is recommended among patients with autism spectrum disorder to relieve common autistic symptoms such as seizures, sleep disturbances, irritability, and hyperactivity.[7][8]
  • Medical therapy must be accompanied by behavioral therapies to be more effective.
  • Risperidone is approved by FDA to control irritability for children between 5 years and 16 years of age.[9]
  • Other drugs might be used to improve symptoms of autism. However, drugs must be prescribed on a trial basis to check their efficacy and safety.

Autism

Adult

      • Preferred regimen (1): drug name 100 mg PO q12h for 10-21 days (Contraindications/specific instructions)
      • Preferred regimen (2): drug name 500 mg PO q8h for 14-21 days
      • Preferred regimen (3): drug name 500 mg q12h for 14-21 days
      • Alternative regimen (1): drug name 500 mg PO q6h for 7–10 days
      • Alternative regimen (2): drug name 500 mg PO q12h for 14–21 days
      • Alternative regimen (3): drug name 500 mg PO q6h for 14–21 days
    • 1.1.2 Pediatric
      • 1.1.2.1 (Specific population e.g. children 5-16 years of age)
        • Preferred regimen (1): risperidone

Note (1): Short term side effects are weight gain, drowsiness, and hyperglycemia.

        • Preferred regimen (2): drug name 30 mg/kg PO per day in 2 divided doses (maximum, 500 mg per dose)
        • Alternative regimen (1): drug name10 mg/kg PO q6h (maximum, 500 mg per day)
        • Alternative regimen (2): drug name 7.5 mg/kg PO q12h (maximum, 500 mg per dose)
        • Alternative regimen (3): drug name 12.5 mg/kg PO q6h (maximum, 500 mg per dose)
      • 1.1.2.2 (Specific population e.g. 'children < 8 years of age')
        • Preferred regimen (1): drug name 4 mg/kg/day PO q12h(maximum, 100 mg per dose)
        • Alternative regimen (1): drug name 10 mg/kg PO q6h (maximum, 500 mg per day)
        • Alternative regimen (2): drug name 7.5 mg/kg PO q12h (maximum, 500 mg per dose)
        • Alternative regimen (3): drug name 12.5 mg/kg PO q6h (maximum, 500 mg per dose)
  • selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)[10]
  • fluvoxamine

Note: One of the most important side effects of SSRIs in children with ASD is suicidal impulses.

Supplements

  • Supplements might be used to alleviate the symptoms of autism.
  • High dose pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and magnesium (HPDM)
    • It is the most popular supplement that is used for autism. However, due to the limited data it is not scientifically proven to be more effective than placebo.[12][13][14]

Note: Side effect of high dose of pyridoxine is peripheral neuropathy in adults.

Note: Side effects of high doses of magnesium are bradycardia, weakened reflexes, and seizures.

  • Dimethylglycine (DMG)
    • It is used to improve speech and reduce autistic behaviors.
  • Vitamin C
    • In one study Vitamin C decreased stereotyped behavior.

Note: Side effects of high doses of vitamin C are kidney stones and diarrhea.

  • Probiotics
    • They are used to relieve some symptoms of autism by minimizing yeast overgrowth in the colon.[7]
  • Melatonin
    • It is used to manage sleep problems in developmental disorders.

Note: Side effects of melatonin are drowsiness, headache, dizziness, nausea, and an increase in seizure frequency among susceptible children.[12]

Diets

Atypical eating behavior occurs in about three-quarters of children with ASD, to the extent that it was formerly a diagnostic indicator. Selectivity is the most common problem, although eating rituals and food refusal also occur;[15] this does not appear to result in malnutrition. Although some children with autism also have gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, there is a lack of published rigorous data to support the theory that autistic children have more or different GI symptoms than usual;[16] studies report conflicting results, and the relationship between GI problems and ASD is unclear.[17]

In the early 1990s it was hypothesized that autism can be caused or aggravated by opioid peptides like casomorphine that are metabolic products of gluten and casein.[18] Based on this hypothesis, diets that eliminate foods containing either gluten or casein, or both, are widely promoted, and many testimonials can be found describing benefits in autism-related symptoms, notably social engagement and verbal skills. Studies supporting these claims have had significant flaws, so the data are inadequate to guide treatment recommendations.[19]

Other elimination diets have also been proposed, targeting salicylates, food dyes, yeast, and simple sugars. No scientific evidence has established the efficacy of such diets in treating autism in children. An elimination diet may create nutritional deficiencies that harm overall health unless care is taken to assure proper nutrition.[12]

Chelation Therapy

Based on the speculation that heavy metal poisoning may trigger the symptoms of autism, particularly in small subsets of individuals who cannot excrete toxins effectively, some parents have turned to alternative medicine practitioners who provide detoxification treatments via chelation therapy. However, evidence to support this practice has been anecdotal and not rigorous. There is strong epidemiological evidence that refutes links between environmental triggers, in particular thimerosal containing vaccines, and the onset of autistic symptoms. No scientific data supports the claim that the mercury in the vaccine preservative thiomersal causes autism[20] or its symptoms,[21] and there is no scientific support for chelation therapy as a treatment for autism.[22]

Chelation therapy can be hazardous. In August 2005, botched chelation therapy killed a 5-year-old autistic boy, a nonautistic child died in February 2005 and an nonautistic adult died in August 2003. These deaths were due to cardiac arrest caused by hypocalcemia during chelation therapy.[23]

Thiamine tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide (TTFD) is hypothesized to act as a chelating agent in children with autism. A 2002 pilot study administered TTFD rectally to ten autism spectrum children, and found beneficial clinical effect.[24] This study has not been replicated and a 2006 review of thiamine by the same author did not mention thiamine's possible effect on autism.[25] There is not sufficient evidence to support the use of thiamine (vitamin B1) to treat autism.[12]

Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy is based on the theory that restrictions at cranial sutures of the skull affect rhythmic impulses conveyed via cerebrospinal fluid. Practitioners, who include physical therapists, chiropractors, dentists, osteopaths, medical, and naturopathic physicians, hypothesize that gentle pressure on external areas can improve the flow and balance of the supply of this fluid to the brain, relieving symptoms of many conditions.[26] There is no scientific support for major elements of the underlying model, there is little scientific evidence to support the therapy, and research methods that could conclusively evaluate the therapy's effectiveness have not been applied.[26]

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can compensate for decreased blood flow by increasing the oxygen content in the body. It has been postulated that HBOT might relieve some of the core symptoms of autism.[27] However, scientific evidence is lacking for the use of HBOT to treat autism.[28]

Stem Cell Therapy

Mesenchymal stem cells and cord blood CD34+ cells have been proposed to treat autism, but this proposal has not been tested.[29]

References

  1. Leskovec TJ, Rowles BM, Findling RL (2008). "Pharmacological treatment options for autism spectrum disorders in children and adolescents". Harv Rev Psychiatry. 16 (2): 97–112. doi:10.1080/10673220802075852. PMID 18415882.
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