Nutrition and Autism, ADHD, SPD and Other Developmental Delays

In this blog post, Kelly Dorfman, MS, LND, explains why nutrition is helpful for autism, ADHD, SPD and other developmental delays.

An astounding study found a strong correlation between nutrient status and better performance on difficult visuo-spatial and abstraction tests. In the study, present or past intakes of protein, vitamins B-1, B-2, B-6, B-12, E, C, folate, and niacin were all related to intellectual performance in healthy, elderly individuals.

If aging adults can improve visual and abstract intellectual functioning simply by eating better and taking supplements, is it not logical that the same would be true for children struggling to develop these skills?

Nutrition for Neurodevelopmental Disorders

In many ways the deterioration of mental flexibility and sharpness accepted as part of growing older is similar to the processing sluggishness often seen in children with developmental delays. In one situation, the ravages of aging is the culprit; in the other, a total load of stressors causes the brain to process information slowly or inaccurately. Even in cases of overt brain disease or damage, such as Alzheimer’s, numerous studies have indicated that cognitive function can be improved with specific nutrients.

Only a small intellectual leap is necessary to consider the possibility that a nutrient capable of improving word recall and concentration in memory-impaired adults may also be useful to a child with word retrieval or concentration problems.

When starting a child on nutrient support for the brain, a general, comprehensive, multiple vitamin and mineral is used as a base. The B vitamins and magnesium seem to be particularly important in optimizing neuro-transmission. Dr. Bernard Rimland, founder of the Autism Research Institute, has reported extensively on the use of vitamin B-6 and magnesium in autism. These supplements can also improve brain function in children with other neuro-processing deficits.

Once general nutrient support is in place, specific nutrients can be added depending on the individual situation.

Phosphatidylserine

For those with known neuro-transmission issues, such as delayed myelination, cerebral palsy, concentration or memory impairment, auditory processing delays, phosphatidylserine should be considered. Available in gel caps or liquid, phosphatidylserine is an important structural component of brain cell membranes.

It is found in tiny amounts in numerous foods but concentrates in the brain, making animal brains the best dietary source. Since it is no longer safe to eat animal brains, the prudent way to get significant amounts is through a vegetable-based concentrated supplement.

By increasing the release of many neurotransmitters, including dopamine and acetylcholine, phosphatidylserine may speed up mental processing without causing the hyperactivity that sometimes accompanies substances that stimulate the release of a single neurotransmitter.

The drug Ritalin, for example, is thought to target dopamine. While this effect generally increases focus, driving up dopamine alone also escalates obsessive compulsive behaviors (such as tics) and arousal, causing poor sleep.

Phosphatidylserine, on the other hand, can more gently enhance cognitive function through its structural role in the brain. A typical result may be a child who requires less prompting to speak or a teenage who improves the ability to remember assignments and directions.

An average dosage of phosphatidylserine for children is 100-200 mg. Vegetable-based phosphatidylserine often is derived from soy and should be avoided in cases of severe soy allergy. In addition, some phosphatidylserine products are thought to contain tiny amounts of BHT and should not be used by those with known BHT reactivity, although many children on the Feingold diet can use it successfully.

Choline

A nutrient related to phosphatidylserine is choline, found in the body as phosphatidylcholine or as part of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. Increased intake of this nutrient may also improve cognitive ability. Choline (as phosphatidylcholine) is the primary active ingredient in lecithin. Food sources include fish, eggs and soy products.

Cholinergic neurons (nerve cells acted on by acetylcholine) are located throughout the brain in areas that control memory, intellect, emotions, movement coordination and muscle contraction.

While supplemental choline can be useful, it occasionally increases the activity (and therefore, agitation level) of some children. Whether the child’s difficulties are due to a known, discrete cause or to general developmental delays, nutrient therapy accelerates brain function and makes adjunct therapies work better.

About Kelly Dorfman MS LND

Kelly Dorfman is one of the world’s foremost experts on using nutrition therapeutically to improve brain function, energy and mood. Kelly’s special talent for integrating information from many sources and finding practical solutions has made her a popular speaker and workshop leader. She lectures extensively and is a member of Platform (formerly the National Speakers Association) and has been featured on numerous television programs including CNN’s American Morning.

Kelly’s award winning book, Cure Your Child With Food: The Hidden Connection Between Nutrition and Childhood Ailments (formerly known as What’s Eating Your Child) was given rave reviews by Publishers Weekly and the Washington Post.

As a go-to expert on nutrition issues, Kelly is frequently interviewed and quoted in the media. She has been featured in articles in The Wall Street Journal, Parade, Bethesda magazine, Living Without magazine, and the Huffington Post.

Kelly holds a master’s degree in nutrition/biology and is a licensed nutrition dietitian. She is a co-founder of Developmental Delay Resources, which has merged with Epidemic Answers. You can find out more about Kelly and her practice at kellydorfman.com

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