Take Two: Alternative Treatments for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurobiological disorder that affects 1 in every 59 children in the United States. According to the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM V), while there are numerous diseases and disorders that can accompany the disorder, ASD has only two core symptoms: impaired social interactions and communication and a series of restricted repetitive behaviors, interests and/or activities. ASD is an extremely hypervariable disorder and while some persons with ASD may not need medical intervention, others do. Currently, the only FDA-approved treatment are antipsychotics Abilify and Risperidone. However, these antipsychotics do not address the core symptoms of ASD and puts the child at risk for a number of diseases and syndromes. Adverse side effects of these antipsychotics include hyperprolactinemia, extrapyramidal symptoms, weight gain, and Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. Given the ineffectiveness of Abilify and Risperidone, there is a need for alternative treatment options that directly affect the core symptoms of ASD. In this paper, I compile current research surrounding misregulated signaling pathways and formulate theories on their contribution to the development of ASD. I then discuss effective naturally-occurring, bioavailable treatment options that target and regulate the misregulated pathways, aiding in a more neurotypical development. These alternative treatments have the potential to address the core symptoms of ASD and grant children with ASD more autonomy over their bodies and their lives.