Autism Therapy: inattention

Omega-3/omega-6 fatty acid supplements may help children with autism and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

This article describes a randomized, placebo-controlled study of 75 children and adolescents (8-18 years old) diagnosed with ADHD. Children had ADHD symptoms including poor concentration (attention deficit) and/or hyperactivity. Some of the children had other symptoms in addition to ADHD, including Asperger's and autism-like symptoms. The authors described the autism-like symptoms as deficits in motor control and perception. Children received a daily dose of 732 mg omega-3 fatty acids, 60 mg omega-6 fatty acids, and 10.8 mg vitamin E. Some children improved after 3 months of supplements, and more improved after 6 months of supplements. For people with inattention or autism-like symptoms, 58% improved after 6 months. The authors think that essential fatty acid supplements may help children with autism who show deficits in attention, motor control, and perception ("DAMP syndrome").