Metabolic therapies in autism spectrum disorder: a literature review

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that involves difficulty in social communication, emotions and regular behaviors. The pathogenesis of the ASD is poorly understood and the treatment option is still limited. Variety of drugs are being used to manage the medical and psychiatric comorbidities associated with ASD and numerous drugs are still in clinical trials. Currently, some conventional treatments such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, social skills training and counseling are still in the treatment of ASD in children. Scientists are considering metabolic therapy in the treatment of ASD as there is no direct treatment and pharmaceutical therapies are only able to treat the symptoms of ASD. Therefore, the aim of this review work was to compile the existing information about metabolic therapies and their effectiveness in ASD. Furthermore, this review also includes some popular diets with their evidences that are currently in under investigation for ASD.