When your child is on the autism spectrum, you need every weapon you can grab. The resources available to parents have increased exponentially, but a product from the shores of Norway presents a new option: fish oil.
Stop smirking. Yes, studies show that the benefits of fish oil, primarily the essential Omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can help increase abilities in children with autism and Asperger’s.
In a study performed by Louise Patrick, CCC/SLP/L entitled “Benefits of Essential Fatty Acid Supplementation on Language and Learning Skills in Children with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome,” 22 autistic children were given were each given one-gram of ProEFA per day for 90 days. ProEFA provides 135 mg EPA and 90 mg DHA from fish oil along with 33 mg GLA (gamma linolenic acid) from borage oil and 15 IU of natural Vitamin E.
Quite a mouthful to the average parent, but the point is this: These products can help your child. Patrick came upon the product almost by accident, and since then, she said she has seen what it can do for many children.
“I had been introduced to (fish oil) a number of years ago through a recommendation made by Andrew Weil, M.D., for a 2-year-old client diagnosed with verbal apraxia,” Patrick said, explaining her influence for the study. “After 10 days of supplementation my client made enormous gains in his ability to produce spontaneous speech. Following this observation I began to educate parents in the many benefits of essential fatty acids. For nearly two years prior to the study I observed numerous pediatric clients diagnosed within the autism spectrum appear to make gains in various developmental areas when supplemented with omega supplements.”
On days zero, 45, and 90 of the study, 49 developmental items from the Assessment of Basic language and Learning Skills reference tool were used to measure eight primary areas of language and learning: receptive language, requesting, labeling, intra-verbals, imitation, play skills, social interaction, and generalization.
In the 18 children who completed the study, every single one displayed significant increases in their language and learning skills based upon the ABLLS, across the board.
“I have been providing parents who have children in the autism spectrum with literature and results from research specific to the function and benefits of fish oil based omega oils that are highly purified and highly stabilized since the year 2000,” Patrick said. “Consultation with the child’s current physician is the first step when parents are considering supplementation for their child.”
While Patrick concluded that the small number of children tested prohibited any definitive answers, she believes the results show definite promise.
“I think this opens up the door for larger sample sizes and placebo-controlled formats specifically for autism that can verify definitively that essential fatty acids can assist families in improving their children’s health and quality of life,” Patrick said. “Given that the omega fatty acid research is quite strong for other areas such as heart health, mental disorders, etc., I hope to see more research for autistic children very soon.”
Fish oils don’t help just children on the autism spectrum. Studies have shown the products to help prevent postpartum depression, menopausal complaints, and osteoporosis and breast cancer in women. The oils also can help restore normal blood vessel function in children with inherited high cholesterol and support normal brain development, visual and nervous system function and help kids focus.
