April 2, 2016 was World Autism Awareness Day. Research indicates that children entering foster care with autism are much more likely to have failed placements and need higher level of care due to their challenging behaviors. My clinical work and personal experience lead me to believe that there are more autistic children in foster care per capita that in the general population. Most of us in the foster/adopt world have prepared to tackle the trauma and attachment related issues that prevail, but are not as prepared to deal with the further complication of autism?so this seems like a great time to give a tip on dealing with this complicated subject.
Consumer Labs, the leading independent research laboratory has reviewed the research and made their recommendations of 10 supplements that may be helpful in reducing certain symptoms (remember there is no cure for autism, but the symptoms can be managed).
- Multivitamins and minerals
- Melatonin
- Probiotics
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
- L-carnosine
- L-carnitine
- Ubiquinol
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Vitamin C
For more information about these supplements be sure to follow the link and scroll down to the question about autism. Consumer Labs is a subscription based service, so to see the nitty-gritty you?ll have to subscribe. Better yet, make an appointment with your local nutritionist so that they can tailor treatment to your child?s specific needs. If you live in Southeast Washington, I recommend Vicki Westland at Integrative Family Medicine. If you have your favorite provider in your area please list them in the comments below.
For more information on this huge subject including how to screen for autism, medications, and behavioral treatments, check out autismspeaks.org.
