April is Autism Awareness Month! Autism affects around 2% of the population (1, 2, 3, 4). Adult diagnosis of autism is more and more prevalent. This means that we can’t raise enough awareness and do enough research to understand autism and support those with autism better.

Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that it manifests in each individual differently. It is generally characterized by social, behavioral, and communication challenges that can affect the individual at various levels. While many individuals with autism can lead a happy, healthy, and productive life without support, others will need varying levels of outside support their entire lives. 

In this article, I want to discuss everything you need to know about autism from the integrative and functional medicine perspective. I have been working with children with autism for 25 years and wanted to put together a guide to help your understanding and health. You will learn about the connection between autism and gut microbiome health, mast cells, food sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies, and environmental toxicity. I will share my general recommendation to support those with autism. Let’s get into it.

What Is Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism refers to a range of conditions characterized by social, behavioral, and communication challenges. In Canada, about 1 in 66, and in the United States, about 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with autism (1, 2). Adult diagnosis of autism is increasingly prevalent, with about 2% of adults having an autism diagnosis (3, 4). This may be due to the increased awareness of autism and the increased availability of diagnosis, even for adults. 

However, diagnosis is still not available for all. Diagnosis of autism can come with both emotional and financial challenges. Depending on your location, waitlists for autism diagnosis can be long. For these reasons, autism diagnosis is not available for everyone. Thus, the actual number of children and adults with autism is likely higher than official statistics.

Diagnosis of Autism

Diagnosis of autism includes a developmental and behavioral screening for all children during regular doctor visits during the first two years of the child’s life. Formal evaluation may include working with trained specialists, including developmental pediatricians, child psychologists, child psychiatrists, neurologists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, or other specialists, and even genetic counseling (5). 

Assessments look at the medication history of the mother’s pregnancy, achieving medical milestones, family history of developmental, genetic, or metabolic disorders, medical illnesses, sensory challenges, language skills, and cognitive functioning through autism-specific observational tests, interviews, and rating scales (6). Diagnosis relies on the standardized diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) (7).

Adult diagnosis also uses the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. Adult diagnosis involves an assessment of several hours, sometimes several appointments. In children, looking at cognitive and developmental delays and disabilities is the focal point. With adults seeking a diagnosis, this is less of an issue, thus, assessments look at their executive functioning and making judgments related to standard cognitive tasks, an adaptive behavior scale to measure independent living skills, a social-emotional functioning interview, and a childhood history of behaviors. Adult diagnosis may include testing for other issues, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and depression (8, 9). 

My practice in functional and integrative medicine is to provide support during the early stages of diagnosis and neurodevelopment, specifically for children before puberty.

Symptoms of Autism

Autism doesn’t look the same in everyone. As the name ASD suggests, autism is a spectrum, and it has various subtypes. Subtypes, symptoms, and characteristics may be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. 

The symptoms of autism can vary widely between different individuals and even change throughout their lives. For example, some individuals with autism seriously struggle with social interaction, but others, not so much. Learning, thinking, and problem-solving abilities can greatly vary from highly gifted to average to severely challenged. 

Signs of autism may include (10, 11):

• Social communication and interaction skills:

• • • Issues with communication, including trouble making eye contact, regulating tone of voice, or understanding facial expressions or body language
    • Difficulty with social interactions, including starting or taking turns in understanding, understanding other people’s feelings or thoughts, or sharing emotions
    • Difficulty developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships, including being overwhelmed in social situations, difficulty understanding personal space and boundaries, difficulty expressing feelings or seeking emotional support, and difficulty playing with others or having friendships

• Restricted and repetitive behaviors:

• • • Restricted and repetitive behaviors, including stimming (e.g., rocking, hand flapping, running back and forth), repetitive play (e.g., lining toys up in a row, flipping switches, or spinning wheels), repetitive words or phrases
    • Need for sameness and routine, including ritualistic behaviors; the need for routine can cause extreme distress even when small changes occur in a routine or plan
    • Intense and highly focused interests, including extreme interest or knowledge in very specific topics, extreme attachment to certain objects
    • Sensory issues, including extreme sensitivity to sound, light, texture, or touch, sensory-seeking behaviors, lack of sensitivity to temperature or pain

• Other characteristics:

• • • Trouble using communication besides speech, trouble with motor skills or coordination
    • Difficulty making decisions, multitasking, and other executive functioning
    • Difficulty regulating emotions, leading to meltdowns, sensory overload, shutdown, self-harm, or violent behavior or needing assistance with daily living

• Masking:

• • Masking autism symptoms to meet societal expectations or feel accepted is also common, especially in girls and women. This may lead to other mental health issues, including depression or anxiety (12, 13).

Many individuals with autism can lead a healthy and productive life without support. Others with autism need some or a lot of outside support in their daily lives for their entire life. Thus, it’s very important to focus on the individual person instead of general symptoms and characteristics. While there are some commonalities between people with autism, treatment and the need for support can vary greatly based on the individual’s challenges and circumstances.

Listening to the experiences of people with autism is critical. So is research. Though we understand autism more and more, research is ongoing. We gain a deeper understanding of the disorder and treatment options every day. 

There are many factors that may influence the development, symptoms, and treatment of autism, including genetic, family history, other mental health or behavioral conditions, other medical issues, environmental factors, nutrition, and lifestyle factors. In this article, you will learn about various factors that may influence autism, including the gut microbiome, mast cells, nutrient levels, and environmental toxins. 

Gut Microbiome and Autism

Our gut microbiome health affects our entire body. The gut-brain connection is not a new concept, and it may not be surprising to learn that the gut microbiome may play a role in autism. Even the pregnant mother’s gut microbiome health may play a role in the risk of developing autism.

According to a 2018 study published in the Journal of Immunology, the microbiome health of the mother is among the key contributing factors to the risk of developing autism (13). Improving the mother’s diet, taking probiotics, or even fecal transplants may help to reduce the risk of autism in the child (14). 

Gut infections and other infections may also affect gut microbiome health, immunity, and the risk of developing autism. According to a 2010 study published in Brain, Behavior, and Hospitalization, infection leading to hospitalization during pregnancy may increase the risk of developing autism (15).

A 2010 study published in Immunity may explain the mechanism behind this (16). Researchers found that elevated IL-17a levels due to infection may affect the neural receptors in specific parts of the brain and affect fetal brain development and may also have immune-altering effects, which may increase the risk of developing autism and autism-like behavioral symptoms.

Besides maternal gut health, the gut microbiome health of the child may also affect the risks and symptoms of autism. A 2022 review published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology has discussed why many patients with autism experience gastrointestinal symptoms and how the microbiota-gut-brain axis may play a role in autism (17). 

They found that early colonization, mode of delivery, and antibiotic use may all play a role in the risk and onset of autism. Infant feeding methods can also have an impact, with more favourable microbiome development with breast, versus formula, feeding.  Microbial fermentation of plant-based fiber can result in the creation of various types of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) that may impact the gut and neurological development in a beneficial or harmful way, affecting the risk factors and symptoms of autism. Research suggests that improving gut microbiome health and using specific microbes may support therapeutic interventions in autism and related symptoms.

A 2022 study published in Gut explains that children with autism tend to have a unique gut microbiome profile (18, 19). They often have significantly fewer bacteria connected to neurotransmitter activities. Clostridium, Dialister, and Coprobacillus were enriched, while Faecalibacterium levels are often low in children with autism. Five specific species of bacteria, including Alistipes indistinctus, candidate division_TM7_ isolate_TM7c (single cell organism), Streptococcus cristatus, Eubacterium limosum, and Streptococcus oligofermentans, that are often missing from the gut microbiome of children with autism, may be an indicator for autism symptoms.

A 2022 meta-analysis published in Nature Neuroscience has found that autism-related amino acid, carbohydrate, and lipid profiles may be affected by specific microbial species, including Prevotella, Bifidobacterium, Desulfovibrio, and Bacteroides (19). The authors suggest that this may be affected by changes in brain gene expression, restrictive diets, and pro-inflammatory cytokine profiles.

A 2022 research published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine has found that using prebiotics, probiotics, and herbal formulas to improve gut microbiome health may play a role in improving autism (20). Improving nutrition and a gut-friendly diet is also critical. Moreover, a 2023 systematic review published in Frontiers in Psychiatry suggests that fecal microbiota transplant may also help to improve autism (21).

Mast Cells and Autism

Now that we have talked about the role of the gut microbiome and the gut-brain connection, we need to talk about the role of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and mast cells in autism. The blood-brain barrier is a semipermeable border of your endothelial cells that helps to prevent toxic substances from your blood from crossing over to your brain and nervous system. The health of your blood-brain barrier is critical, and it is also closely connected to your gut health, which you already know plays a critical role in the risk of developing autism and the severity of autism symptoms (22, 23).

Your mast cells are white blood cells found in your connective tissues, including your digestive tract, skin, respiratory tract, urinary tract, reproductive organs, surrounding your nerves, and near your blood vessels and lymph vessels. They release inflammatory mediators, including histamine, to protect you when your body is exposed to allergens, microbes, toxins, or other pathogens. 

Though your mast cells are critical for your immune and overall health, overactive mast cells can increase the risk of mast cell disorders, including mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), which may lead to chronic, widespread symptoms and health issues, including hives, itching, eczema, skin issues, nervous system symptoms, digestive issues, fatigue, headaches, migraines, and bladder problems (23, 24, 25, 26).

Mast cells can be found in large concentration in your brain surrounding your blood-brain barrier. They play a critical role as your brain’s gatekeepers, protecting your brain from pathogens and toxins and playing a role in the decision-making process of what molecules may cross into your brain (27). Thus, your mast cells also play a role in allowing molecules into your brain that trigger microglia. 

Microglia are cells in your central nervous system (CNS) that are responsible for clearing damaged neurons and infections for CNS health and balance. Increased microglia is a sign of increased brain inflammation. A 2013 study published in JAMA Psychiatry and a 2005 study published in the Annals of Neurology have found that patients with autism often have excessive microglial activation and neuroinflammation (28, 29). 

Your mast cells trigger inflammation to protect you from infections, allergens, toxins, or other external harm. However, too much inflammation in the body is not good and can lead to all kinds of issues. Mast cells can release chemicals that activate microglia to release pro-inflammatory mediators and increase inflammation in the brain. Overactive mast cells, increased microglia activity, and chronic inflammation in the brain can lead to a leaky blood-brain barrier, which means that molecules that should not pass into the brain will be able to. A 2009 review published in Expert Opinions in Pharmacotherapy has found that mast cell activation can lead to gut-blood-brain barrier disruption, which may result in neuroimmune problems and symptoms of autism (30). 

According to a 2010 review published in Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, allergies, stress, and environmental triggers may all trigger mast cell activation, increase inflammation, and delay the development of the gut-blood-brain barrier in autism (31). According to a 2019 review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, stress and environmental triggers may result in mast cell activation and increased microglia activity (32). This may affect another part of your brain, the amygdala. If the fear threshold of your amygdala changes due to mast cell and microglia activity, it can lead to increased fight-or-flight response and stress, anxiety, and obsessive behavior in those with autism.

A 2018 review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences has found that the interaction between the gut microbiome and the brain, and the health of the gut-brain axis, play an important role in autism (46). Mast cell activation can affect both your gut and your brain, thus possibly increasing symptoms of autism in multiple ways.

Here, we circle back to the gut and diet again. When it comes to gut health, diet, and autism, there are two important areas we need to talk about. Food sensitivities and nutritional deficiencies. Food sensitivities, food intolerances, and food allergies may all trigger mast cell activation and thus may affect the blood-brain barrier, as well as the gut microbiome. Nutritional deficiencies may increase inflammation and various health issues, including autism. Let’s start with food sensitivities and autism before we move on to common nutrient deficiencies in autism.

Food Sensitivities and Autism

Food sensitivities, food intolerances, and food allergies are common in autism. Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is also common in autism, which is characterized by a restrictive diet, increasing the risk of gut microbiome imbalances and food sensitivities (33, 34).

As I’ve written about it in this article, salicylate sensitivities are common in those with autism. Gluten and casein in dairy are also common culprits. According to a 2021 review published in Nutrients, a gluten-free diet may help children with autism (34). According to a 2020 study published in the Eurasian Journal of Medicine, gluten-free and casein-free diets may be beneficial in autism (35). I have found the same working with patients with autism over the past 25 years.

A 2009 review published in Frontiers in Endocrinology has found that a disruption of the gut-immune-brain barrier axis may be one of the culprits behind autism symptoms (36). They found that food allergies are common in autism, which may lead to increased mast cell activation and related brain function disruption and intestinal permeability. A 2019 article published in the International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology has also found that food intolerances and allergies disrupt the gut-blood-brain barrier through mast cell activation (37).

Food sensitivities, food intolerances, and food allergies, which are common in autism, can all increase the risk of leaky gut syndrome and other gut health problems (38, 39, 40, 41). We have already discussed how gut microbiome imbalances, leaky gut syndrome, and other gut health issues can often play a role in autism (42, 43). Beyond food sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies may also affect your gut microbiome health and increase symptoms of autism.

Top Nutrient Deficiencies and Autism

Nutrient deficiencies can also play a role in autism. What’s also true is that nutrients can be normal in some compartments of the body, such as the blood, but functionally low in other areas, like the brain. In that sense, even without deficiency, nutrients can be used as therapy, with B12 and B9 as prime examples. The main nutrients we must look into include vitamin B12, B9, other B vitamins, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, glutathione, and carnitine.

Vitamin B12 is a type of B vitamin. It is necessary for blood cell formation, cell metabolism, DNA production, nerve function, brain health, and mental health (44, 45, 46, 47). Even though vitamin B12 is critical for all of us, meeting your needs without supplementation can be difficult. It is especially difficult on a vegan or vegetarian diet as it is not found in plant foods at all. Having an MTHFR gene mutation may also increase the risk of B12 deficiencies (48, 49). 

Vitamin B12 frank or functional deficiencies are not uncommon and seem to be a particular issue in autism. Supplementation with vitamin B12 may help with symptoms of autism. According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, vitamin B12 injections in children has led to significant improvements in symptoms of autism (50). 

Vitamin B12 is not the only B vitamin that’s essential for brain health and neurological function and may help with autism. Thiamine (b1), biotin (B7), and folate (B9) are other B vitamins that may also support those with autism (51). According to a 2018 randomized controlled trial published in Nutrients, supplementing with vitamins B6, B6, B9, and B12 has improved symptoms of autism (52). Those with autism should consider supplementing with vitamin B12 and a vitamin B complex.

Vitamin D is another important vitamin essential for your brain, mental, nervous system, immune, bone, and cardiovascular health. Unlike other vitamins, vitamin D actually functions like a hormone, not a vitamin. This means that vitamin D helps to regulate hundreds of genes and supports countless mechanisms in your body. 

The best source of vitamin D is sunshine, as your body can synthesize as the sun hits your skin. You can also get some vitamin D from certain foods, including fatty fish, fatty fish oil, beef liver, and egg yolk, but it’s generally not enough. Deficiencies are common, and supplementation is often necessary.

Vitamin D is critical for brain development, thus it may not be surprising to learn that it may play a role in the risk of developing autism and its symptoms. According to a 2016 study published in BJPsych Open, vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy may also increase the risk of autism (53). A 2019 study published in Nature has found that maternal and neonatal vitamin D deficiency may both increase the risk of autism (54). 

According to a 2014 study published in the Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences, vitamin D deficiency in children may increase the risk of autism symptoms in children (55). Supplementation during pregnancy and in children may reduce the risk of developing autism and improve the symptoms of autism (56). 

Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids found in food, such as fish and certain seeds, and in dietary supplements, such as fish oil and algae oil. Omega-3 fatty acids may help to decrease inflammation, support your brain function, enhance your mood, and lower the risk of heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and chronic illness (57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63). They may also play a role in nutrient therapies for autism. 

According to a 2014 paper published in Medical Hypothesis has found that omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial for those with autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (54). According to a 2018 study published in Nutrients, supplementing with omega-3 DHA and EPA may help to improve symptoms of autism (55). Improving omega-3 levels through omega-3-rich foods, such as salmon, mackerel, and rainbow trout, eating flax seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and walnuts, and taking a high-quality omega-3 fish oil supplement with EPA and DHA, may be beneficial for reducing neuroinflammation and improving cognitive function and mental health in those with autism.

Glutathione is produced by your liver and is made from the amino acids glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid. It is essential for tissue building, tissue repair, and immune health. It is also a great antioxidant that may support detoxification and decrease oxidative stress. It also helps to manage the brain’s chemical glutamate. It may also be beneficial for those with autism. 

According to a 2020 review published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine, glutathione plays a critical role in autism by supporting the intracellular redox balance (56). As demonstrated by a 2010 case report I published in JOM, I found in my personal practice that glutathione supplementation can significantly support the health of my patients with autism (57).

Carnitine is an amino acid, found in beef, poultry, fish, beans, avocados, asparagus. It is critical for energy production. It helps to transport long-chain fatty acids to your mitochondria, where they are burned to produce energy. Carnitine also plays a role in detoxification and supports brain function, heart health, skeletal and cardiac muscles, and other bodily functions (58, 59, 60).

Due to its brain health benefits, carnitine may be beneficial for those with autism, especially in cognitive and social development. According to a 2018 randomized trial published in Nutrients, carnitine may improve symptoms of autism (61). A 2019 review published in Molecules has also found that carnitine may be a great part of a nutrient therapy for autism (62). Eating carnitine-rich foods and taking a carnitine supplement may be beneficial for those with autism.

Environmental Toxicity and Autism

Toxins are all around us in the modern world. Unfortunately, too much environmental toxin exposure can create chronic inflammation and increase the risk of all kinds of health issues. Environmental toxicity may play a role in autism as well. 

According to a 2012 article published in Environmental Health Perspective by The National Academy of Sciences, about 3% of all neurobehavioral disorders, including autism and ADHD, may be linked to environmental toxin exposure (63). About 25% are linked to the interaction between genetics and environmental factors. 

The Children’s Environmental Health Center (CEHC) has created a list of chemicals that may be key suspects for the increased risk of autism and learning disabilities (64, 65). The environmental toxins that may increase the risk or worsen the symptoms of autism include lead, PCBs, methylmercury, organophosphate pesticide, organochlorine pesticide, endocrine disruptors, automotive exhaust, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, brominated flame retardants, and perfluorinated compounds.

Air pollution may disrupt the blood-brain barrier and increase oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, cerebrovascular injuries, and other brain health issues (66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71).  Air pollution exposure during pregnancy and in children may increase the risk of developing autism and its symptoms. According to a 2021 study published in Epidemiology, the effects of air pollutants “3 months before pregnancy, each trimester of the pregnancy, the entire pregnancy, and the first year of life” (72). According to a 2022 study published in BMJ Open, school-aged children (ages 5 – 14 years) with autism had a greater risk of hospitalization from short-term air pollution exposure (73). 

Besides air pollution, a variety of chemicals and heavy metals may play a role in autism. Just like air pollution, other toxins, chemical, and heavy metal exposure may increase the risk of oxidative stress, oxidative DNA damage, chronic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and immune dysregulation, which may contribute to the increased risk and worsening symptoms of autism (74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80).

A 2017 review published in Molecular Autism has found that 40 – 50% of autism cases are linked to environmental factors, including heavy metal toxicity (81). According to a 2021 review published in Pediatric Perspectives, air pollution, neurotoxic and endocrine-disrupting pesticides, including organochlorines, organophosphates, pyrethroids, and other toxic chemicals, may play a role in the development of autism (82). 

According to a 2021 review published in Molecular Psychiatry, environmental exposure to toxins and heavy metals during pregnancy and after birth may increase the risk of autism (83). Thus, reducing environmental toxin exposure during pregnancy and in children, especially in those with autism, is critical for reducing risks and symptoms. Detoxification strategies also play a common role in integrative medicine treatment strategies.

My Recommendations for Autism

Integrative and functional medicine has a lot to offer for autism. I recommend the following strategies to improve the symptoms of autism.

Nutrient Therapy

As you learned, diet plays an enormous role in autism. Nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, food intolerances, food allergies, chronic inflammation, and neuroinflammation from an inflammatory diet high in ultra-processed foods and low in nutrients may increase the risk and symptoms of autism. I recommend removing inflammatory foods and food ingredients, including refined sugar, additives, unnatural ingredients, refined oil, and ultra-processed foods. Avoid foods high in heavy metals and mold.  Avoiding food sensitivities and food intolerances is critical. Many children and adults with autism also benefit from a gluten-free and casein/dairy-free diet.

Follow an anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense diet high in organic greens, vegetables, herbs, spices, sprouts, fermented food, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, and organic animal protein if possible. To reduce the risk of exposure to pesticides and herbicides, I recommend buying organic, non-GMO produce. For animal products, I recommend buying organic, grass-fed meat, pasture-raised poultry and eggs, wild-caught fish, or wild game to reduce exposure to hormones and antibiotics wherever possible. 

For babies, opt for breastfeeding if possible. Once they start solids, choose organic and ideally homemade foods instead of conventional baby products. You may also read about the top potential nutrient deficiencies in autism and how to avoid or correct them here.

Microbiome Support

Gut microbiome balance and gut health can play a big role in autism. I recommend getting tested for underlying gut microbiome imbalances, microbiome issues linked to autism, and other gut health issues. Key supplements for gut microbiome balance include daily high-quality probiotics and prebiotics (84). Probiotic-rich fermented foods, including sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, kefir, and kombucha, and prebiotic-rich foods, including apples, bananas, leek, onion, garlic, Jerusalem artichokes, and jicama, may also help. A child may benefit from antimicrobial, including anti-fungal, medications or supplements that can help to address underlying infections (85, 86) or microbiome disturbances, if recommended after a thorough assessment and individual needs analysis. 

Specific Nutrients As Therapy

Since nutrient deficiencies can also play a role in autism, I will often recommend nutrient therapy. Specific nutrients that may benefit people with autism may include vitamin B12, vitamin B9, other B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D3/K2, and glutathione. With B vitamins, look to use methylated forms, especially if MTHFR mutations are an issue.  For vitamin B9, I specifically recommend folinic acid as it’s been shown to have specific benefits for autism (87), although methylfolate is another option. For omega-3 fatty acids, I recommend using a high-quality fish oil omega-3 supplement with EPA and DHA, instead of seed oils with ALA, as ALA doesn’t convert as effectively. 

You may also benefit from mitochondrial support, including an antioxidant-rich diet, vitamins C and E, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), biotin, coenzyme Q10, carnitine and a-lipoic acid. Zinc, magnesium, and vitamin A supplementation may be beneficial (88, 89, 90, 91).  

Detoxification 

Using detoxification strategies as needed may support treatment. Support digestion through a gut-friendly, anti-inflammatory diet and probiotics, as outlined earlier. Your practitioner may recommend  using activated charcoal or other toxin binders to help absorb and eliminate toxins. Support detoxification through sweating with body movement and by using an infrared sauna if possible. These activities also support lymphatic flow. With careful consideration, there may also be benefit from dimercaptosuccinic acid and alpha-lipoic acid as part of an oral metal excretion program (92, 93). 

As always, I recommend consulting with a functional medicine doctor well-versed in autism before starting any supplementation, detoxification, or other treatment protocol (hint: I’m here to help). This is particularly important if you are pregnant or looking for treatment options for a child. An individualized treatment plan is always the best strategy for success.

Recommended Articles

I recommend reading the following articles on my website on autism: 

• The Importance of Omega 3 Fatty Acids in Autism & ADHD
• The Importance of Vitamin D in Autism
• The Importance of Magnesium in Autism & ADHD
• Autism and Nutrient Therapy: 5 Possible Nutrient Deficiencies in ASD
• Autism Diet Pyramid – Dr. John Gannage
• Autism and the Methylation Cycle
• Salicylate Sensitivity In Children With Autism
• Autism, Gut, and the Brain: Primer and Part Two
• Mast Cells and Autism
• The Link Between Autism and Environmental Toxicity: Exploring the Latest Research

Next Steps

If you, your child, or your family member has autism, I recommend saving this article and following my recommendations for autism. If you are looking for personalized support to improve your health and wellness with autism, I recommend that you set up a functional medicine consultation with me. My practice in functional and integrative medicine is most often to provide support during the early stages of diagnosis and neurodevelopment, specifically for children before puberty.

If you are dealing with any chronic health issues and need advice on how to improve your nutrition and health, I welcome you to start a functional medicine consultation with me for further personalized guidance. You may book your consultation here. 

Check out my Histamine Intolerance Course here. Learn on your own time, from anywhere. Get an inside look at the most helpful functional medicine tests for pinpointing imbalances, ways to identify and manage the most common (and sometimes surprising) mast cell triggers, and learn what to eat, what to avoid, and why.