No single therapy can treat autism by itself, and as of 2010 there is no cure for this condition. Many argue that the greatest chance for treatment success lies in a combination of interventions. While some treatments are widely accepted, others are quite controversial, often brought to the spotlight by those who are understandably frustrated by the lack of effective medical recourse for this challenging disorder.
Nutritional Supplements
Some people support the notion that nutritional supplements can help with autistic symptom management. The idea is that vitamin B complex and vitamin C can help brain and central nervous system function better, according to the MentalHelp.net. Anecdotal evidence suggests that vitamin C in particular, along with cod liver oils rich in vitamins A and D, can improve eye contact and communication skills.
Do not give a child supplements without first getting a nutritional status blood workup completed by your pediatrician. While large doses of some vitamins and minerals may not be harmful, others can be toxic.
Dietary Interventions
Advocates of restrictive diets believe that certain food proteins can cause autism. They support the argument that casein found in dairy and gluten found in grains can alter brain functioning. Others hypothesize, according to the Autism Society of America, that autistic children have microscopic holes in their intestinal tract caused by yeast overgrowth, and that this contributes to autistic behaviors. To remedy this, proponents of this theory advocate anti-fungal medications or yeast-free diets.
The Mayo Clinic states that there is no evidence that diets can trigger autism, or that any sort of restricted diets can improve autism symptoms. Furthermore, restricted diets can lead to nutritional deficiencies which may lead to health problems in growing children. In addition, antifungal antibiotics can lead to a fungal resistance which can cause further health complications.
Chelation Therapy
Chelation therapy, used to remove mercury from the body, is perhaps one of the most controversial autism treatments. Chelation advocates believe that autism is the result of mercury exposure during childhood vaccinations. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no scientific evidence to support chelation as a successful autism treatment. Furthermore, chelation therapy has serious side effects that can include liver and kidney damage.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) canceled a chelation therapy trial for autism in 2008. According to MedPageToday.com, NIMH canceled the trial and acknowledged that chelation theory was "rejected by most scientists on the basis of a string of studies finding little or no link between vaccine exposure and autism."
