Both Autism and ADHD are linked to specific behavioral patterns and treatment approaches typically focus on helping children progress neurodevelopmentally in a manner that best suits their individual needs [1, 2].
In particular, the highly structured interventions involve boosting cognitive functions, improving social communication, and supporting emotional regulation.
These types of approaches help target disruptive behavior, anxiety, impulsivity, and inattention, making them useful for both ADHD and autism.
Parent-mediated interventions are also beneficial. This approach helps parents and caregivers to create opportunities for constructive play as well as shared attention, which promotes more initiative on the children’s part [1].
Speech therapy may also be necessary, as children with autism usually have communication issues (e.g., non-verbal, avoid communication), while those with ADHD may struggle to communicate due to hyperactivity or learning delays.
In addition to behavior therapies, Nutritional intervention therapies are also important for both autism and ADHD as these children typically suffer from gastrointestinal issues (e.g., abdominal discomfort, constipation, leaky gut, intestinal bacteria imbalances) as well [3, 4].
There is a direct link between the intestinal environment and the brain as the gut plays a major role in the transfer of nutrients to brain cells.
The gut also houses millions of nerve cells that regulate brain activity. Accordingly, healthy digestive function and sufficient nutrient intake have a strong influence on cognitive functions.
Micronutrient deficiencies (e.g., vitamin A, B12, minerals. etc.,) are especially problematic as they lead to the worsening of autism and ADHD symptoms [3, 4]. These nutrients support healthy levels of hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain.
Research shows that nutritional supplementation, particularly with micronutrients, helps improve emotional regulation, impulsivity, and even behaviors such as social seeking and communication [3-5]. However, the type as well as serving of micronutrients that each child needs in order to experience improvement varies between each child.
This means that parents, caregivers, and physicians must work together to determine which form of nutritional intervention will afford a child with the most benefits. It is a challenging task, but a vital one that gives children with autism or ADHD the ability to be their best selves!
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References
- Lord C, et al. Autism spectrum disorder. Lancet. 2018;392(10146):508-520.
- Helt M, Kelley E, Kinsbourne M, et al. Can children with autism recover? If so, how? Neuropsychology Review. 2008;18(4):339-366.
- Karhu E, Zukerman R, et al. Nutritional interventions for autism spectrum disorder. Nutr Rev. 2020;78(7):515-531.
- Rucklidge JJ, Eggleston MJF, Johnstone JM, Darling K, Frampton CM. Vitamin-mineral treatment improves aggression and emotional regulation in children with ADHD: a fully blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2018;59(3):232-246.
- Verlaet AA, Noriega DB, Hermans N, Savelkoul HF. Nutrition, immunological mechanisms and dietary immunomodulation in ADHD. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2014;23(7):519-29.
