Dietary Fatty Acids Improve Social Impairment in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Double-blind Randomized Placebo-controlled Trail

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled 16-week trial investigators administered daily doses of either youths with autism spectrum disorders.ARA and DHA supplementation significantly improved communication as well as social withdrawal symptoms. This pilot study provides the first evidence that supplementation with larger ARA doses added to DHA improve impaired social interaction in youths with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

We recruited 13 individuals who met the DSM-IV criteria for a diagnosis of high functioning autistic disorder (n=1) or Asperger's Disorder (n=12),corroborated by the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised. Participants were free of any medical or comorbid psychiatric disorders. Other inclusion criteria included weigh of at least 16 kg, either a verbal or performance intelligence quotient (IQ) above 80, and a score greater than 10 on the social withdrawal subscale of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of high functioning autistic disorder or Asperger's Disorder. Free of any medical or comorbid psychiatric disorders.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any medical treatment for other psychiatric disorders