Editor’s Note: Being on the spectrum is celebrated by many, and various communities, organizations, and individuals see this way of being in the world as one that offers many gifts and strengths. At the same time, if given the opportunity, there are others who would like to alleviate what they experience as discomfort, frustration, or social isolation. The information in this article is for those who might seek wellness support so they can thrive and let their neurodiversity shine.
As rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses continue to increase, caregivers and medical providers need to investigate the possibility of holistic medicine for autism.
Harvard Publishing states, “Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one “right” way of thinking, learning, or behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits.”
Nervous System Support
Neurodivergence does not look the same from one child to the next; by looking at each child’s health individually, we can properly explore all areas that have an impact on their nervous system. While some aspects of autism can be attributed to genetic variations, many other health factors may be at play, influencing the brain and nervous system.
These factors may include:
- Exposure to toxins during gestation or after birth, such as environmental chemicals and heavy metals in our food, home and body products, water, medicines (both natural and pharmaceutical), mould, and air
- Physical trauma or infection pre- or post-birth causing long-term or permanent brain injury or neuroinflammation
- Poor gastrointestinal health from parasitic, bacterial, or yeast infections: an imbalanced gut microbiome resulting in gut and neurological inflammation
- Inability of the child to methylate amino acids
- Vitamin or other nutritional deficiencies
It is worth investigating these areas if you suspect any of them to be of concern for your child. Identifying triggers for nervous system dysregulation helps reduce exposure and decrease symptom severity over time with proper treatment. Whether or not testing has been done to assess the above particulars, you can still support your little one’s nervous system with some natural approaches.
Magnesium and Autism
Magnesium is a crucial component of cellular activity and plays an important role throughout the body. Magnesium is also known to affect serotonin receptors, and when magnesium is low, serotonin can be low too. Serotonin is responsible for mood regulation, digestion, and sleep cycles. Magnesium also improves blood flow to the brain and provides antioxidant support by encouraging glutathione production. There are documented cases of magnesium deficiency in children with autism, so testing may be in order. When provided with magnesium supplements, symptoms such as restlessness and hyperactivity in neurodivergent children are known to improve. Magnesium bis-glycinate, threonate, and malate are highly absorbed forms specific to the nervous system.
Methylated B Vitamins
Another important vitamin group, many B vitamins, such as B1, B6, and B12 are essential for maintaining the integrity of the nervous system, and most participate in key methylation reactions. Vitamin B6 is also a key cofactor in metabolizing neurotransmitters such as serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are essential to mood regulation and proper cognitive function. Studies have shown that supplementation of magnesium and B6 can help support the nervous system and help with mood. Methylated Vitamin B6 is called L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF), and B12 is called methylcobalamin, so be sure your child’s multivitamin or individual B vitamin contains these forms. You can also assess your child’s methylation pathways via genetic testing.
Probiotics and Autism
Probiotics balance the microbiome, reduce oxidative stress, repair the gut lining, and are anti-inflammatory in nature. Certain strains, such as Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp., are shown potentially to improve neurological and neurotransmitter development, as well as communication through the gut-brain axis in children. Recent studies have shown a notable amelioration in behavioural symptoms when children with autism are regularly given probiotics. A comprehensive stool analysis can give you more insight into your child’s gut health.
Antioxidants and Autism
Oxidative stress is a poor balance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body, which leads to cellular degeneration, which can result in organ damage, and in turn the progression of certain diseases. Oxidative stress occurs when the body is exposed to toxins, stress, and pathogens. Antioxidants such as glutathione and N-acetyl-cysteine can provide nervous system support for individuals with autism who wish to calm their system and boost their mood.
EFAs and Autism
Essential fatty acids (EFAs), primarily docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential for brain development, particularly until age six. They are crucial molecules that determine the brain's integrity and ability to perform. A few smaller studies show an increased occurrence of ASD development in children not provided adequate EFAs in infancy, suggesting the potential of altered brain development from inadequate fatty acid metabolism due to EFA deficiency.
GABA-Supportive Foods
GABA is a neurotransmitter that creates a calming effect when its levels are elevated. Studies have indicated lower levels of GABA in children diagnosed with autism. Thus, when increasing GABA, we may improve sensorimotor ability and reduce anxiety symptoms. Many foods boost GABA in the brain such as Oolong tea, cruciferous vegetables, spinach, peas, and sweet potatoes.
Dietary Choices
Dietarily, blood sugar regulation and adequate fibre intake are two of the most significant areas of autism research concerning nutrition. Fibre improves the short-chain fatty acid levels made from bacteria fermentation for a balanced microbiome. Pairing any high glycemic food with one high in protein or fat will reduce the blood sugar ups and downs that sometimes trigger extreme mood swings.
It often takes a whole care team to support our neurodivergent little ones, to optimize the possibility of uncovering their unique strengths and gifts. Do not be afraid to explore seeking out a neurodivergent-literate naturopathic doctor, therapist, chiropractor, and/or neurofeedback specialist for your child.