Asperger's syndrome, one of several disorders on the "autism spectrum," has no known cure and can be difficult to control at times. Manufacturers of herbal and alternative therapies tend to prey on parents' frustration and desperation, convincing them that an unproven therapy will help their child. However, there is very little evidence to prove alternative therapies work, and some may even be dangerous. Always work with a licensed physician to determine the best treatment plan for your child.
Chelation Therapy
Chelation therapy is a process that removes heavy metals from a person's body. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved any over-the-counter chelation treatments, but they do exist, and some have turned to them for autism-spectrum disorder treatment out of the belief that these disorders are linked to mercury exposure via childhood vaccines. However, there is no evidence that chelation therapy works, and potential side effects include kidney failure, dehydration and even death. If you're considering this therapy for your child, only do so under a doctor's close supervision.
Supplements
Supplementing your child's diet with certain vitamins may have some effect on his symptoms and should not cause harm as long as you don't exceed recommended dosage levels. These vitamins include vitamin B6, magnesium, vitamin C, carnosine and omega-3 fatty acids. If your child has trouble sleeping, a small dose of melatonin before bedtime may help. Results of vitamin therapy tend to be highly individual; for example, a comprehensive review of studies examining the vitamin B6-magnesium connection to autism found early references to speech and language improvement, but it was not an overall trend.
Secretin
Secretin is a hormone found in the gastrointestinal tract. Like melatonin, it could improve sleep patterns in some people with Asperger's as well as aid digestive problems. However, as with other alternative therapies, results are individualized and there is a lack of research to support widespread success.
Diet Modifications
Some parents of children with autism-spectrum disorders choose to remove wheat and dairy products from their child's diet. This is because of a theory that gluten, a wheat protein, and casein, a dairy protein, are linked to behavior and brain development. However, this link has not been proven. Even if such a diet helps your child, it could cause nutritional deficiencies if not done correctly, so seek help from a doctor or nutritionist if you pursue this route.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Asperger's syndrome: Alternative medicine
- MayoClinic.com: Autism treatment: Can chelation therapy help?; Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.
- "Cochrane Databse of Systematic Reviews"; Combined vitamin B6-magnesium treatment in autism spectrum disorder; C. Nye and A. Brice; 2002
- MayoClinic.com: Autism treatment: Can special diets help?; Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.
- "Child Psychiatry Human Development"; Secretin and Sleep in Children with Autism; Ryan D. Honomichl, MS et al; 2002
