Autism

My child needs a good basic nutrition & supplement program for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). What do you recommend?

Since the link between poor GI health and ASD is very strong, you should start by healing the gut. In order to do this, remove common allergens from the diet; this gives the GI tract a chance to rest and repair. Just as a construction crew cannot fix a highway as cars and traffic zoom by, the gut cannot heal itself without stopping the bombardment of aggravating foods. Gluten (found in wheat, oats, rye, barley, etc.), casein (dairy), soy, corn, citrus, yeast, sugar, sweeteners, colors, MSG, & other flavors and fillers are the most common allergenic foods for those with ASD. You may choose to have your child tested to find out if other foods should be removed. Also, your child will need nutritional supplements to aid in gut healing and brain health. Below is a list of our most popular and effective supplements, organized into categories.

Probiotics

Genestra HMF Neuro Probiotics are identical to those in humans and therefore very effective at implanting and colonizing. Glutamine helps with gut tissue healing. (dairy and gluten free).

HMF Intensive capsules are for those who want a Probiotic with no FOS, and no glutamine (dairy and gluten free)

Vitamins/Minerals

Why Important: Vitamins and minerals replenishes missing nutrients needed to facilitate healthy brain function and behavior. Since most ASD kids have poor diets and are highly deficient in many nutrients, children have ranging mild to dramatic improvements often within days or a couple of weeks of taking , as their body becomes nourished.

Note: During first few months of treatment, if intestinal health is very poor (leaky gut, yeast, colitis), taking vitamins & minerals could make symptoms worse since they are not properly absorbed and leak into the bloodstream. Be sure to be using Probiotics, Enzymes, and Omega 3s either in tandem or for a couple months prior. Gradually work up to the full serving dose after intestines have had some time to heal.

B-6 (P5P) Plus Magnesium (50mg P5P & 100mg Mag Gly)

Why Important: Taking “megadoses” of P5P (a form of Vit B-6) and Magnesium have shown tremendous behavioral benefit in many children. P5P is about 5x more absorbable than Vit. B-6 pyridoxine, thus 50mg P5P may equal about 250mg B-6.
Dosing: Take 1.6mg P5P per pound body weight (or 8mg Vit B-6 p/lb). To find the amount that works best, experiment with increasing dosages using the smallest amount to show benefit. Relax Factors can be taken in addition to ASDplex since some kids do well on these larger amounts of P5P & magnesium.

Enzymes

Digest Gluten Plus and Digest Dairy Plus
Why Important: helps break down any small amounts of gluten & casein ingested in diet so it has minimum effect on behavior and destruction of intestinal lining). Enzymes should be taken in addition to, not in place of probiotics. Dose: 1-2 with each meal or snack.
Omega 3s – Fish Oils/Essential Fatty Acids (choose one)
Omega 3’s are the body’s natural anti-inflammatory nutrient. They work throughout the whole body such as for intestinal repair, immune function & brain health. They also make up a part of every cell. Those listed are all excellent quality (free of toxins, PCBs and heavy metals), and very good tasting. Dose: 1-5 teaspoons per day (either straight off the spoon or mixed into smoothie or applesauce).

Amino Acids

Pro Rice
Developed specifically for kids and adults with amino acid imbalances. Why Important: Promotes intestinal repair and behavioral improvements by correcting amino acid imbalances & protein deficiencies.

Other Suggestions Blend All Your Kid’s Daily Nutrients into a Smoothie!
Mix 1 tsp vitamin powder with water (or coconut, almond or rice milk), ½ tsp. HMF Neuro, and 1+ tsp. Omega 3s. Blend & drink! (you may also open any other capsules or add in other supplements into smoothie. Experiment to see what your child will take.)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - Scroll to very bottom to read our recommendations on nutrition and supplements.

My child needs a good basic nutrition & supplement program for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). What do you recommend?

B-6 (P5P) Plus Magnesium (50mg P5P & 100mg Mag Gly)

Amino Acids