70 children and adults with autism spectrum disorders will be enrolled in a 1-year, single-blind treatment study. Assessments will be conducted at the beginning and end of the study, including measurements of nutritional, metabolic, and digestive status and assessments of autism severity and overall functioning. Half of the participants will be randomized into a treatment study, and half will be randomized to no changes in their current treatments. Treatments will be added in a sequential manner over 12 months, including vitamin/minerals, essential fatty acids, carnitine, digestive enzymes, and healthy, gluten-free, casein-free diets. A dedicated team of nutritionists, nurses, and physicians will support and monitor the participants throughout the study. A group of 50 neurotypical children and adults, of similar age and gender, will be included for comparison.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
120
Day 0: Vitamin/Mineral supplementation begins. Day 30: Essential Fatty Acid supplementation begins. Day 60: Epsom Salt baths begin (2x/week) Day 90: Carnitine supplementation begins Day 180 Digestive Enzyme supplementation begins; Day 210: Healthy, casein-free, gluten-free diet is begun.
Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona, United States
Childhood Autism Rating Scale
Pre and post assessment of autism symptoms/severity
Time frame: 12 months
Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales
Pre and post test of intellectual ability
Time frame: 12 months
Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale
Pre and post evaluation of adaptive behaviors
Time frame: 12 months
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