Autism

Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. As the word “spectrum” implies, people with ASD have a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe. Autism shows up differently in every person who is diagnosed, but in general, people with ASD can have a hard time with social interactions, speech, and non-verbal communication. They also may have repetitive behaviors, sensory sensitivities, medical conditions like gastrointestinal disorders, or mental health issues. We know—it sounds like a lot to manage, and it can be. But again, everyone’s experience is a little bit different! While signs of ASD usually appear in kids, it is actually possible to go years or even decades without a diagnosis. That’s especially true if you have Asperger syndrome, which practitioners sometimes refer to as a “high-functioning” form of ASD. The growing awareness around autism is a great thing, as it can lead adults to pursue a diagnosis for symptoms they had ignored, such as trouble reading facial expressions or managing emotions and needing to maintain strict routines. Whether you’ve known about your diagnosis for years or you’ve only recently uncovered it, remember: you are not alone! Today, there are many innovative ways to manage this diagnosis. While there is no “hard” evidence to support complementary and alternative treatments for ASD, some show promising results. Supplementation, in particular, is often recommended because studies show children with ASD are often deficient in a range of nutrients, including calcium, zinc, and several key vitamins, either because of food selectivity or altered GI absorption. Ask your practitioner about other natural approaches for managing ASD, including elimination diets (especially keto or gluten- and/or casein-free), herbal or probiotic supplementation, dance and music therapy, yoga, chelation, and acupuncture.