Why Are Essential Fatty Acids Important For Autistic Children

Why are Essential Fatty Acids important and what can they do for my child with autism?
Omega-3 fatty acids can help children with Autism, AD(H)D, LD, NVLD, and other related disorders.
Keep reading to discover some answers…

As a speech language pathologist, working with children and families, I have seen first hand how nutritional intervention can play a dynamic role in helping children peel back the layers of fog or disconnect, and support the brain and body to function at their true potential. Nutritional intervention, as facilitated by a nutrition specialist offers hope to all. Over the past decade, I have worked closely with nutrition specialists and have deep respect for the work they do. Parents need support, guidance, and resources…Whether a child has a diagnosis of autism, sensory processing disorder, attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder, or other related learning disorders, nutrition intervention can be an effective ally and tool.

The information contained below is a compilation from my work with extraordinary practitioners such as Ms. Kelly Dorfman, M.S.L.N.D., Ms. Julia Turner, MMSc, RD, LD, and from references such as: Children with Starving Brains by Dr. Jacqueline McCandless, Special-Needs Kids Eat Right by Judy Converse, MPH, RD, LD, and Your Brain Health Lifestyle by Dr. Paul Nussbaum.

Lauren Zimet, M.S.,CCC/SLP is a pediatric speech language pathologist who was interviewed in the book, The LCP Solution by Dr. Jacquelyn Stordy and sees first hand, as a professional and a parent, the benefits of Essential Fatty Acids for all children whether there is a diagnosis of autism or other related disorders.
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Autism is a neurological disorder that affects sensory and social development, impairing a person’s ability to communicate and relate to others. While people with autism may express delays in social development, language and behavior, many children faced with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) also suffer from malnutrition and gastrointestinal disorders. (The Autism Research Foundation)

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), are structural nutrients that incorporate into the nervous system, including the brain and every cell in the body. While the fats in fish are technically not essential, in practice they may be conditionally essential for children with developmental delays. In other words, a child must take essential fats from the diet and convert them to the DHA he/she needs for brain development. In children with developmental delays many experts think this does not happen sufficiently – or at all! EFA supplements assure sufficiency when the system may not be working as it should. EFAs must enter our body through the food we eat or supplements we take. Fish oil/ cod liver oil is rich in a special type of fatty acid called Omega 3. There are 2 main types of Omega 3 fats found in fish: eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docohexasanoic (DHA). EPA is taken from various parts of the fish, while DHA is taken from the liver, hence is in “Cod liver oil” which also contains Vitamin A and D. Fish oil supplements help correct EFA deficiency and are vital for normal brain development in-utero and after birth. As with all medications and supplements, it is recommended to consult with your pediatrician to ensure there is no contraindication for your child.

The easiest way to get EFAs into our body, is to consume through fish/cod liver oil which has been molecularly distilled/purified. In clinical practice, the use of fish/cod liver oil (Omega 3) is a vital part of intervention, one of the first supplements that is added to diets to support enhanced brain function and reduce internal inflammation. Note: fish oil comes in liquid as well as capsules, and formulations are made for children and adults.

When minerals, vitamins, amino acids or enzymes are deficient in our body, the result can be a disturbed biochemical imbalance. This can cause, or certainly contribute to an inability to focus, concentrate, and other behavior issues. DHA and/or EPA from fish oil provide structural nutrients that support the neurological system which in turn can support sensory processing.

Many benefits from the addition of EFA’s (Omega 3) may be seen after as short as a few weeks to a few months:

Some of the benefits of taking EFAs: (the healthy fat which incorporates into the brain, supporting smooth transmission of messages from neuron to neuron)
1) improved/ increased cognitive function
2) brain development (in-utero and after birth)
3) improved speech and language function
4) helps reduce inflammation: Inflammation is often present in the gut and brains of children with ASD
5) cardiovascular support
6) improved memory
7) improved focus and attention; can provide easier time opening circles of communication
improved motor planning
9) calming for the brain
10) improved mood/behavior

Possible Symptoms of Fatty Acid Deficiency or Compromised Status of EFAs:
As shared by: Kelly Dorfman, Julia Turner and Judy Converse in her book, Eat Right:
1. dry skin, dry patches, skin rashes
2. course, frizzy or fly-away hair
3. excess wax build up in ears
4. excessive thirst, yet refuses water
6. permanent “goose-flesh” (bumps) behind arms
7. toe walking
8. chronic inflammatory conditions
9. hostile, aggressive behavior, tantrums (EPA); mood swings
10. inattention (DHA); poor eye contact
11. sensory dysregulation, tactile hypersensitivity

TO NOTE:
The brain thrives on the long-chain Omega 3’s, EPA and DHA. The other Omega 3 to mention, is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) which comes from foods such as flax and walnuts, with lesser amounts in hemp, black currant, pumpkin, and other seeds. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), along with gamma-linolenic acid (Omega 6) make up the “essential fatty acid” family.

Flax seed (ALA), must go through a longer conversion process (EFA > EPA > DHA), often children are not able to efficiently make this conversion. Flax seed can still be used (it’s healthy!) but should be in addition to fish oil. Ground flax seed or DHA that comes from marine algae is another alternative to fish oil/omega 3. Adding GLA with Omega 3 can be helpful specifically when targeting speech issues.

The road to recovery for all persons with a diagnosis of autism or any other disorder, is paved with ups and downs. I have seen children and families make huge strides when incorporating nutrition into their program. Each child is an individual with unique needs – there is not one diet or supplement that will be right for everyone. In my opinion, DHA and EPA, the Omega 3’s are vital and essential nutrients for optimal brain function…and we know, a healthy brain (neurological system) will be able to support a healthy, happy child!

Wishing all parents the confidence to follow your instinct and the determination to seek out answers to continue to help your child thrive and flourish to their fullest potential. There is always hope! Set your standards high…Your child deserves it. J

Lauren Zimet, M.S.,CCC/SLP, N.D.T. Certified, has been in the speech language pathology field for 15 years, specializing with medically involved children with oral motor/feeding and communication issues, as well as neurotypical children supporting healthy development and enhancing self esteem. She is the founder of Healthy Foundations, an Atlanta based brain health education and social thinking program geared for infants and children of all abilities. Lauren has been published in a variety of publications: Parenting Magazine, Advance Magazine for Audiologists and Speech Pathologists, and contributed to The LCP Solution by Dr. Jacqueline Stordy and The Late Talker, by Dr. Marilyn Agin. She holds a M.S. in Speech Language Pathology from Nova Southeastern University, FL and a B.S. from the University of Maryland in Communications. Lauren is passionate about promoting brain health awareness for babies, children and adults. Please visit www.earlyinsights.com for more information.