In contrast to many other health conditions, Autism receives most of its core treatments from non-medicinal therapies. While some medications are helpful in controlling behavior and others for yeast infections/overgrowth, the major influences comes from occupational and speech therapies, changes in diet, and changes in nutrition. Likewise, avoidance of potential toxins and detrimental substances is a large part of the therapy for autism.

As already described, dietary changes can have a large impact as well. Reportedly, 70% of children with Autism respond favorably to Gluten-free and Casein-free diets. Gluten-free diets essentially replace all wheat products with other options such as potato, soy, and bean flour. Wheat, rye, barley and oats are avoided as are processed foods. Likewise, many additives and preservatives contain amounts of gluten and must be monitored. Items that are included in the diet are plain meats, fish, rice, fruits, beans, nuts, seeds and vegetables. Casein-free diets replace cow’s milk with rice or potato milk for cooking. Soy milk is usually avoided because a high percentage of autistic children have difficulty tolerating this. Yogurt, ice cream, cheese and pudding are to be avoided but eggs are alright. Yeast-free diets are also a consideration, but statistically benefit a smaller percentage of affected individuals. Food items that are to be eliminated in this diet include vinegar, pickles, chocolate, peanut butter, corn and chicken. Despite the many foods that are to be avoided, there are many items that offer a well balanced nutritious diet that also will help improve behavioral and cognitive function.

Vitamin and mineral supplements have been touched upon above. Again Vitamin B6 and magnesium have proven clinical benefit in many children with Autism, and the antioxidants including Vitamins A, C and E and also selenium may be helpful. Other key vitamins and minerals that may be deficient especially if children are on restrictive diets include Vitamin B2, Vitamin B12, Zinc, Calcium, Chromium, and Molybdenum. Also providing adequate amounts of essential fatty acids in supplementation, especially Omega 3 fatty acids are of a strong consideration. Lastly, Probiotics that promote “good” bacteria in the intestines instead of yeast can include Acidophyllus, garlic, and medium chain triglycerides. Probiotics are often better utilized for short term periods rather than continuously.

Medications can also be a consideration for specific instances. Nystatin as already mentioned is a safe anti-yeast medication that can be used for short term courses, and may provide some benefit in some children. Likewise, some professionals are using chelating agents such as DMSA, or DMPS (topical form), that is used for purposes of absorbing mercury from the body. Also, some serotonin reuptake inhibitor anti-depressants and other psychiatric medications are employed to help improve behavior. Each of these should be under strict medical guidance, and used only if a clear benefit is noted after treatment is started.


Lastly, prevention and avoidance may be the way of the future until a more defined genetic and environmental picture of Autism is evident. Regarding vaccines, this poses a difficult task overall. Many school systems require full vaccination records on children before 1st grade, and missing these could be problematic. Regardless, some vaccines like hepatitis and chickenpox vaccines may be electively refused for your child. To avoid a MMR vaccine may simply exposing your child to a serious viral complication only in hopes of protecting him or her from developing Autism. The larger focus for now would be to insist on a vaccine that is free of Thermasol or any ethyl mercury preservatives. This should be commonplace but does require vigilance of the part of the parents to ensure this is the case for their child. The other major preventative issue is safety. Wandering and drowning are serious life-threatening problems with many autistic children. Teaching them to swim, pool barriers, ID bracelets, monitoring bracelets, home security measures and establishing a network of neighbors and law enforcement people familiar with your child are all very helpful preventative tools.