autismNew research concludes that supplementation vitamin D, tryptophan, and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil would boost brain serotonin concentrations and help prevent and possibly improve some of the symptoms associated with autism without side effects.  Vitamin B6, BH4, and iron are cofactors in the serotonin pathway and may also help modulate brain serotonin levels and facilitate moderate improvements in some autistic behaviors. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have problems of food selectivity, implying risks of nutritional deficiencies.  Practical treatments might therefore include correction of nutritional deficiencies, elimination of problematic foods and/or use of digestive enzymes, restoration of optimal intestinal flora balance, support of methylation and detoxification pathways, reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation (e.g., through dietary and physical activity means), improvement of mitochondrial function, and provision of oxytocin.  By providing the body and brain with what they need and by eliminating that which may be interfering, the potential exists to significantly improve overall brain functioning and therefore quality of life for individuals with autism. Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) cover a range of neurodevelopmental disorders affecting more than 1% of children born in the US and are characterized by 3 primary behavioral symptoms: impaired reciprocal social interactions, communication deficits, and propensity for repetitive behaviors.  Four observations are consistently associated with ASD: altered serotonin concentrations; low concentrations of the vitamin D hormone precursor 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D3]; high male incidence; and presence of maternal antibodies to fetal brain tissue.