The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a licensed physician or other qualified healthcare professional.

BASIC FIRST STEPS

1. Eat a healthy diet

• ensure sufficient protein, fats, and cholesterol
• eat a variety of colourful vegetables and fruit
• avoid sugar and starches

2. Supplement basic nutrients for support for ASD:

Multivitamin
Reason:  broad spectrum nutrient support
Typical dosing: 1–2x day

AND/OR

B-complex (supports brain function, blood sugar control)
Reason: full spectrum of B-vitamins, supports methylation cycle function
Typical dosing: B50 2–4/day

Vitamin C
Reason: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, supports neurotransmitter production
Typical dosing: 1000–6000 mg/day

Vitamin D
Reason: regulates serotonin production, protects against neuronal oxidative stress
Typical dosing: 1000–5000 IU

Probiotics
Reason: help restore and maintain healthy digestive tract flora
Typical dosing: 10–25 billion bacteria/day

Magnesium
Reason: calms neurotransmission, anti-stress, serotonin and dopamine production, supports action of vitamin B6
Typical dosing: 300–600 mg/day

Fish oil
Reason: anti-inflammatory, brain supportive
Typical dosing: 1000–4000 mg (of fish oil)

3. Identify and remove sources of environmental toxins

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FURTHER STEPS

1. Consider a trial of GFCF diet

• Gluten-free, casein-free diet
  • this is the most often recommended diet with ASD
  • allow at least 2 months to assess benefits
  • See “GFCF diet” on this page for more information

2. Continue with basic nutrients for support for ASD, consider including additional nutrients shown to be beneficial with ASD:

Vitamin B6 (in pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P) form)
Reason: neurotransmitter metabolism, supports action of magnesium
Typical dosing: 50–100 mg/day

Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin form)
Reason: neurotransmitter synthesis, brain cell preservation, supports methylation cycle
Typical dosing: 1000–5000 mcg/day

Zinc
Reason: antioxidant support, neurotransmitter regulation
Typical dosing: 30–50 mg/day

3. Ensure good sleep

Consider supplementing melatonin 1–3 mg if required.

Further information on improving sleep:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/sleep/art-20048379

4. Work with a health professional who is trained in nutrition and integrative medicine approaches

Trained health professionals can help with:

• testing for nutrient deficiencies and metabolic contributors to ASD
• providing custom dietary and supplement protocols