Important notice
Need for medical supervision
Individuals and families affected by autism must exercise particular caution in the face of unfounded claims and promises of rapid solutions. Unvalidated medical approaches may not only prove ineffective but may also present potential health risks. Decisions regarding autism treatment should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals, such as pediatricians, neurologists, or psychiatrists specializing in autism spectrum disorders.
It is moreover essential to recognize that every autistic person is unique, and that an individualized approach, including evidence-based educational and behavioral interventions, remains the current best practice.
Current state of scientific knowledge
It is crucial to emphasize that autism spectrum disorders are recognized as neurodevelopmental conditions of somatic origin, complex and multifactorial in nature. Although extensive research has been undertaken to elucidate the genetic and environmental foundations of autism, it must be stressed that, to date, no pharmaceutical intervention, dietary supplement, probiotic, or specific nutritional regimen has been scientifically demonstrated to constitute an effective treatment for autism.
Information disclosed on this site
To help make research on autism more accessible outside the scientific community, Fondation Autisme presents here several promising directions in current studies. Most of the information provided comes from peer-reviewed scientific publications.
From this research base, hypotheses about possible causes and treatments may be proposed, but they must later be tested and either confirmed or disproved by further studies. The explanatory model that guides our research is presented in this same spirit. Still, it is important to remember that there is not yet a scientific consensus, and sharing research hypotheses should never be mistaken for giving treatment advice. In the present state of scientific knowledge, only the approaches endorsed by public authorities can be considered both effective and safe.
Current research pathways
Restoring gut microbiota balance
An imbalance in the intestinal microbiota may provide a framework for interventions in certain cases of autism spectrum disorders. Diet, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation appear to be examples of such potential interventions for the future. (Doré 2013, Doenyas 2018)
Gluten- and casein-free diets
According to several researchers (Reichelt, Shattock), opioid-active peptides derived from dietary sources, particularly foods containing gluten and casein, may cross both the intestinal wall and the blood–brain barrier, reaching the central nervous system and influencing neurotransmission. The elimination of these compounds through exclusion diets could potentially bring about some improvement in autistic symptoms. (Whiteley 2005)
Chelation of heavy metals
The severity of autism symptoms appears to be positively correlated with the presence of circulating or stored toxic metals. The excretion of such heavy metals, induced by pharmaceutical chelating agents, could therefore theoretically lead to symptomatic improvement. The link between heavy metals and autism remains an important area of research. However, in current practice, the risks associated with chelation therapy for autism outweigh the proven benefits, according to a literature review funded by the The Cochrane Collaboration (James 2015).
Antifungal treatments
Because intestinal infections with Candida albicans are common among autistic children, antifungal treatments have been proposed as a way to potentially improve behavior. (Emam 2012)
Elimination of bacterial infections
Some researchers suggest that bacterial infections, encouraged by weakened immune defenses in autistic patients, could involve pathogens such as Borrelia, Chlamydia, or Mycoplasma. With support from Fondation Autisme, Fondation FondaMental secured public funding from French Agence Nationale de la Recherche to investigate whether antibacterial treatments might improve autism symptoms. However, due to insufficient co-funding, the study is still on hold.
For families
In an age of social networks and instant communication, we advise caution and recommend scientifically validated approaches, under medical supervision.
