Heather Bedard, C.H.E.
While many doctors won't point you in this direction, there are some supplements that may be helpful for autistic children. The information provided shouldn't be accepted as a directive or taken without the knowledge of your primary doctor.
Below is a list of supplements that you can look into:
Secretin – Secretin is a gastrointestinal hormone that helps to balance gastric acids. Because many children deal with severe stomach issues, it is thought that supplementing with this hormone could help relieve symptoms and support gastrointestinal function.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids – When autistic children were given Omega 3 fatty acids, behavior was found to be improved in children with severe behavioral issues stemming from autism.
Folate – Many children who suffer from ASD are known to have high levels of oxidative stress in their bodies. Due to the fact that folate can help to treat oxidative stress, this supplement is thought to be helpful, although no studies have been shown to prove that.
L-carnosine – This particular supplement has been shown to improve speech and vocabulary in autistic children.
Amino Acids – Amino acids are commonly given to help treat ASD but no studies have shown that it actually works.
Melatonin – Melatonin is commonly given to help with sleep issues and has been shown have benefits to children with ASD when given before bedtime. This is because ASD children usually present with abnormalities of melatonin production.
Vitamin C – Minimal studies have been done that show a reduction of stereotypical autistic behaviors.
Dimethyl Glycine – Studies show mixed results in the improvement of speech.
B12 – This vitamin has been shown to help children in a small subset of ASD but not for autistic children overall.
B6 – Most children with autism have extremely high levels of vitamin B6. The preponderance of studies show improvement in symptoms of ASD with supplementation.