Natural Ways to Aid with Autism Treatment

Alternative medicine or therapies, whole nutrition, and supplementation, have become a great part of our lives and our search for overall wellbeing and optimum health.

The same is true in the search for remedies to cure Autism. Though a true cure is still not available, there are great alternatives to adding to the quality of life in someone with autism spectrum disorders.

Alternative Treatments for Autism

Here is a list of options I have discovered through my research that could help you as a starting place for your own child / children or anyone you know who has autism.

This list, however, will obviously not replace the conservative treatments and advice provided by your Physician in any way, and are for general informational purposes only, or as ideas to begin a discussion in conjunction with your Doctor or Occupational Therapist.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture procedures focusing mainly on the scalp area have been known to help regulate an overactive brain function. It also improves the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain.

Acupuncture on other parts of the body and muscles can also aid in relaxation, balancing hormones, breaking down muscle spasms, and a host of other health benefits.

Osteopathic Treatments

Osteopathic philosophy is based on the treatment and improvement of the connection between the body’s major systems.

An abnormality or dysfunction in the spine is known as vertebral subluxation and may cause dysfunction in the nervous system too. The nervous system controls all the major functions in the body, and so you want to have it working well and in the best possible condition.

Some of the benefits of receiving regular osteopathic treatments may include:

• Postural and skeletal correction
• Enhanced immunity
• Improved gut and digestive health
• Improved motor function
• Progresses neurological function thus improving mood, social behavior, focus and concentration
• Decreases restlessness and insomnia
• Reduces neurological stress
• Greatly improves symptoms related to sensory processing disorders

The best thing about osteopathic treatments is that the results can be immediate, and increase over time.

Hydro Therapy

Or aquatic therapy, has been proven over the years to have a multitude of health benefits.

It is a great form of exercise, can aid in improving social performances and has been related to the improvement of sensory processing in children with autism by improving general motor functions.

Massage Therapy

Not only is massage a tool for overall relaxation and well-being, it will also help reduce musculoskeletal aches and pains, stimulate blood circulation and the removal of toxins through lymphatic system drainage.

Melatonin

Approximately 60 million people in America alone suffer from insomnia along with at least half of children with autism spectrum disorders.

Melatonin is a hormone organic to the human body that is produced when it’s dark out and is vital for the regulation of the sleep cycle or circadian rhythm as it’s known scientifically.

A lack of quality sleep can worsen certain autism symptoms.

When you supplement with melatonin it helps normalize this interrupted sleep cycle and keeps you asleep for longer. Thus, alleviating irritability, anxiety, stress and aggression related to inadequate rest.

Glutathione

In general children with autism have lower levels of glutathione in their bodies.

The lack of this powerful antioxidant can expose the body to a mass of health conditions like oxidative stress, free radical damage, and harmful toxins.

Therefore, supplementing orally with Glutathione will greatly improve detox pathways, fight free radical damage and prevent oxidative brain damage.

It’s also been known to reduce irritability scores quite significantly.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is important for the body’s ability to absorb calcium, magnesium and phosphorus to support bone growth, density and strength.

Vitamin D is also necessary to support a healthy immune system, and a host of other important body functions such as cognitive and physical growth and development, development of healthy teeth, as well as enhanced resistance against certain illnesses.

It also helps reduce anxiety and depression by regulating mood, which can be prevalent in children with autism.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful anti-oxidant that protects the body against free radicals. It is also vital for the biological processes in the body as well as the productions of neurotransmitters.

Usually, children with autism can present lower levels of vitamin C, therefore supplementing orally twice a day is very important.

It not only boosts the immune system but also presents a calming effect in children with autism due to its effect on the way the brain responds to dopamine 6. Vitamin C also supports healthy bowel movements and general gut health.

Probiotics

Healthy gut bacteria is essential for a strong immune system and to fend off other bacteria and infections in the body. Consuming at least 50 billion probiotic units per day will greatly improve intestinal flora and combat the stomach problems most children with autism suffer from.

Turmeric

Along with a healthy dose of probiotics, Turmeric is also great for regulating gut flora and intestinal balance. It also aids in detoxification, an important part of eliminating heavy metals and other toxins in the body that could worsen autism symptoms.

Fish Oil

Fish oil contains a complete balance of omega-3 fatty acids that are crucial for brain development, cognitive function, memory, learning ability, social development and much more.

It’s also been known to decrease hyperactivity in children with autism and improve social behavior and ability to interact with others.

A Detox Bath

Soaking in a detox bath of Epsom salt and baking soda for 20 minutes per day, will also help draw out harmful toxins through the skin, not to mention improve vital blood circulation.

Weighted Therapy

We must not forget weighted products as a therapeutical, and natural way to alleviate the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders, as they have helped an uncountable number people getting an easier way through all of the issues regarding autism, and similar conditions, you can read more about those here.

Nutritional Changes for Autism

I’ve seen a lot of people mention, in my research, that a gluten-free and casein-free diet is the way to go. Also eating organic whole foods and drinking only purified water is the best course of action.

In these cases, it is also important to cut out any artificial food sources that can cause hormone and insulin imbalances, hyperactivity and so on.

Cutting out refined sugars, processed foods, foods containing any food colorants, additives and preservatives and MSG’s, as well as any white refined flour, cow’s dairy and soy, fizzy and any sweetened drinks, even fruit juice is very important.

The Best Foods for Children with Autism:

• Clear bone broth.
• Organic Turkey.
• Cultured vegetables like sauerkraut or kimchi.
• Brain food like blueberries, fish and salmon, avocado’s, nuts and nut butters.
• Fermented cod liver oil, kefir, amasai.
• Prebiotic-rich foods like beans and legumes, banana’s, asparagus, garlic, leeks, onions and peas.

It’s very important to keep insulin levels normal by consuming regular balanced meals. A drop-in blood sugar levels can greatly increase fatigue, irritability, aggression and bad social behavior, among other things in children with autism.

Apart from following a healthy diet, as we all should, exercise and dedicated sports, are also excellent ways to stimulate blood circulation and oxygenation throughout the body and the brain.

This allows the body to function better and combat or at least regulate the symptoms associated with autism.