tookec asked this question on 5/4/2000:

We are looking at a very possible diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome for our 13 yr. old son. He was diagnosed with ADHD at age 4 and has been on a variety of meds since that time, and is now on Adderall. The therapist we're working with thinks he seems many characteristics often associated with Asperger's. In reading an article in the May 9 issue of "Woman's World" magazine, I came across an article about using vitamins and minerals (B-complex, chromium, magnesium, fish oil, and flaxseed oil) to treat Asperger's. This vitamin/mineral therapy is apparently being studied by the Autism Research Institute. Does anyone have any information about this, including studies, dosages, etc? I am very open to trying this regime, but I need to know dosages. Thanks so much!

izzybelle gave this response on 5/5/2000:

Vitamin therapy. Some anecdotal evidence has shown that Vitamin B6 and magnesium help children with autism and PDDNOS. The rationale for this is that Vitamin B6 helps the formation of neurotransmitters, which are thought to malfunction in such children (Dalldorf, 1995).

This is a good website for informatin on the treatment of autism and Asperger's Syndrome.

http://www.nwfl.net/jaynamom/other2.html

This is a pretty good website for treatments mostly covering just Autism in general:

http://www.healing-arts.org/children/nutritional.htm

Joanna S. Dalldorf, M.D., one of the major figures studying the effects of vitamins on autism wrote: '1) Megavitamins - There is not one specific megavitamin regimen. Various vitamins have been suggested, usually on the premise that they contribute to some neurochemical reaction. Vitamin combinations have included vitamin C, nicotinamide, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine (vitamin B6). I am unaware of any multivitamin megavitamin approach which has produced persistent documented improvement. However, there are undoubtedly some autistic clients who may respond to some components of the megavitamin approach.

At present, pyridoxine--particularly in combination with magnesium--is showing some promise for some autistic clients. It is still uncertain why pyridoxine/magnesium may help, which autistic clients would respond, and what the long term side effects would be.

It should be emphasized that high doses of some vitamins, particularly fat soluble vitamins like vitamin D and vitamin A, can have serious side effects. Therefore, it is not advisable to fashion a vitamin therapy program (e.g., via a health food store) without medical supervision'

Joanna S. Dalldorf, M.D. TEACCH Pediatric Consultant February, 1999

If you have more questions on this, I would research Ms. Dalldorf and the work her and her collegues have been doing regarding autism. Hope this helps.

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