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- Good Scientific Evidence:
[Music therapy]: Music is an ancient tool of healing that was recognized in the writings of Pythagoras, Aristotle, and Plato. Music is used to influence physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being and improve quality of life for healthy people, as well as those who are disabled or ill. It may involve either listening to or performing music, with or without the presence of a music therapist. Autistic patients often show a heightened interest and response to music. This may aid in the teaching of communication skills (both verbal and nonverbal) and in establishing normal developmental processes. A recent meta-analysis showed significant results compared to placebo for verbal and gestural communication but not for behavioral problems.
- Fair Negative Evidence:
[Vitamin B6]: Vitamin B6, also called pyridoxine, is needed for the body to produce important chemicals in the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. It is also important for the body to maintain a healthy myelin, which is a fat-like substance that covers the nerves. Major sources of vitamin B6 include cereal grains, beans, vegetables (such as carrots, spinach, peas), potatoes, milk, cheese, eggs, fish, liver, meat, and flour. Studies of B6 supplementation alone or in combination with a trace element called magnesium have not been shown to benefit autistic patients.
- Some individuals seem to be particularly sensitive to vitamin B6 and may have problems at lower doses. Avoid excessive dosing. Vitamin B6 is likely safe when taken by mouth in doses that do not exceed the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). The RDA for pregnant women is 1.9 milligrams per day. There is some concern that high-dose pyridoxine taken by a pregnant mother can cause seizures in a newborn. The RDA in breastfeeding women is two milligrams per day.
- Traditional or theoretical uses, which lack sufficient evidence:
[Aortic acid]: Aortic extract is typically manufactured from the hearts of animals, usually sheep, cows, or pigs. This extract contains many substances, including aortic acid. Traditionally, aortic acid has been used to treat autism. However, studies in humans have not been done to determine whether this treatment is safe or effective.
- There are currently no reports of allergic reactions to aortic acid. Due to the heparan sulfate content of mesoglycan, patients with an allergy to heparan or heparinoid derivatives should use caution. Use cautiously with coagulation (blood) disorders or if taking anticoagulants. Use cautiously with high blood pressure or if taking antihypertensive drugs. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding
[Art therapy]: Art therapy involves many forms of art to treat anxiety, depression, and other mental and emotional problems. Art therapy became a mental health profession in the 1930s. Today it is practiced in hospitals, clinics, public and community agencies, wellness centers, educational institutions, businesses, and private practices. Art therapy has been suggested as a possible treatment for autism. However, studies have not been performed to determine whether this treatment is effective.
- Art therapy may evoke distressing thoughts or feelings. Use under the guidance of a qualified art therapist or other mental health professional. Some forms of art therapy use potentially harmful materials. Only materials known to be safe should be used. Related clean-up materials (such as turpentine or mineral spirits) that release potentially toxic fumes should only be used with good ventilation.
[Choline]: Choline is an essential amino acid that is produced in the body and consumed in foods. The largest dietary source of choline is egg yolk. Choline is also found in liver, peanuts, fish, milk, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, soy beans, bottle gourd fruit, fenugreek leaves, shepherd's purse herb, Brazil nuts, dandelion flowers, poppy seeds, mung and other beans, and a variety of meats and vegetables, including cabbage and cauliflower. Although choline has been suggested as a possible treatment for autistic patients, human studies are lacking. Further research is warranted in this area.
- Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to choline, lecithin, or phosphatidylcholine. Use cautiously with kidney disorders, liver disorders, or trimethylaminuria. Use cautiously with a history of depression. If pregnant or breastfeeding, it seems generally safe to consume choline within the recommended adequate intake (AI) parameters; supplementation outside of dietary intake is usually not necessary if a healthy diet is consumed.
[Massage]: Many massage techniques have been practiced for thousands of years to promote well-being, relaxation, pain-reduction, stress-relief, musculoskeletal injury healing, sleep enhancement, and quality of life. Although massage has been suggested as a possible treatment for autism, human studies are lacking.
- Avoid with bleeding disorders, low platelet counts, or if taking blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants). Areas should not be massaged where there are fractures, weakened bones from osteoporosis or cancer, open/healing skin wounds, skin infections, recent surgery, or blood clots. Use cautiously with a history of physical abuse or if pregnant or breastfeeding. Massage should not be used as a substitute for more proven therapies for medical conditions. Massage should not cause pain to the client.
[Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)]: Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is found in many foods, including meats, liver, kidney, fish/shellfish, chicken, vegetables, legumes, yeast, eggs, and milk. Pantothenic acid is needed for the body to breakdown carbohydrates (sugars), proteins, and fats. It is also needed for the body to produce hormones and cholesterol. Pantothenic acid has been suggested as a possible treatment for autism. However, further research is needed in order to determine if this is a safe and effective treatment in humans.
- Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to pantothenic acid or dexpanthenol. Avoid with gastrointestinal blockage. Pantothenic acid is generally considered safe in pregnant and breastfeeding women when taken at recommended doses.
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