Conditions:
Autism

Related Terms
  • Autistic Disorder, Childhood-Onset Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Infantile Autism, Atypical Autism
Principal Proposed Treatments
  • Vitamin B6, Magnesium
Other Proposed Treatments
  • Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, Folate, Biotin, Avoiding Milk or Gluten, Inositol, Melatonin

Autism is a developmental disorder that typically begins in the first three years of life, although a variant of autism called childhood-onset pervasive developmental disorder may occur in children up to the age of 12. Children with autism are unable to develop normal social relationships, often withdrawing into a world of their own. Other symptoms include ritualistic and compulsive behavior, such as rocking or humming, and an inability or unwillingness to speak. Autistic children may also suffer from other neurological disorders such as seizures, hyperactivity, mental retardation, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Perhaps the most famous example of autism is the character Raymond Babbit, played by Dustin Hoffman in the film Rain Man. The portrayal of this character is reasonably accurate, although Raymond is "high functioning" for a person with autism, falling on the upper end of the intelligence and behavior scale. Like other autistic individuals, Raymond insists on various rituals such as eating certain foods and watching specific TV programs right on schedule, and becomes highly agitated if this routine is disrupted. He also likes to memorize such things as phone books. In addition, he can perform a few intellectual feats such as calculating difficult arithmetic in his head; most people with autism do not have this ability, but many are surprisingly highly skilled in some specific intellectual areas.

The cause of autism is not known, though it is believed to be at least partially genetic. Its onset may be related to a viral infection, an enzyme deficiency (phenylketonuria), or the fragile X syndrome (a chromosomal disorder).

Conventional treatments for autism typically target individual symptoms associated with the disorder. Treatments include anticonvulsants for epilepsy, clonidine or imipramine for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and certain SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants for compulsive behaviors.¹ Numerous experimental treatments have been tried, including secretin, as well as various behavioral training programs.

Principal Proposed Treatments for Autism

Vitamin B₆ and Magnesium

A combination of vitamin B₆ and magnesium has shown promising results in lessening the symptoms of autism.^2–12 However, the high doses used require physician supervision.

What Is the Scientific Evidence for Vitamin B₆ and Magnesium?

Six double-blind placebo-controlled trials enrolling a total of about 150 children have evaluated the effects of vitamin B₆ and magnesium combination therapy for autism, with positive results.^13–18 However, the study design used in many of these trials was rather complicated and difficult to evaluate. For example, the largest trial (actually, a series of four closely intertwined trials) involved multiple groups of participants taking different treatments with inadequate time in between for the vitamins and minerals to wash out.¹⁹ These studies were marked by other flaws as well; in addition, they were all performed by one research group.

For these reasons, until better-designed trials reported by independent laboratories are published, this therapy cannot be considered proven.

For more information, including dosage and safety issues, see the full articles on vitamin B₆ and magnesium.

Other Proposed Treatments for Autism

A 10-week double-blind placebo-controlled study of 18 autistic children found some evidence that vitamin C might be helpful.⁴⁰

Various B vitamins including B₁₂, folate, and biotin have also been suggested for autism,^41,42 but there is no good scientific evidence as yet that they work. A diet free of gluten and milk has also been tried.^43,44 The supplement inositol failed to prove effective in a very small double-blind trial.⁴⁵

Melatonin may be useful for autistic children who have sleep disorders.⁴⁶

Last reviewed March 2002 by Medical Review Board

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