Autism News & Updates: Children With Autism’s Language & Communication Skills Improved By Folinic Acid?

Language and communication are two areas that children with autism struggle with. A new study, however, found that folinic acid can improve autistic kids' language and communication skills.

The study, which was published in Springer Nature's journal Molecular Psychiatry, conducted a placebo-controlled trial that involved children with autism, Science Daily reported. The randomized, placebo-controlled trial's preliminary findings found that autistic kids responded well to treatment that involved high-dose folinic acid.

Aside from helping children with autism communicate better, the trial also found specific biomarkers that could pinpoint which of the kids were most likely to respond positively to the treatment. Children with autism are often self-absorbed and are immersed in their private worlds where communicating and interacting with others are difficult to achieve, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Nonverbal communication (e.g. eye contact, hand gestures, and facial expressions) is hard for children with autism, too. They also exhibit repetitive or rigid language, irregular language development, narrow interests and exceptional abilities. Because of their difficulties in expressing themselves, children with autism often get frustrated that they show through vocal outbursts and inappropriate behaviors.

"Improvement in verbal communication was significantly greater in participants receiving folinic acid as compared with those receiving the placebo," lead study author Richard Frye said, as quoted in Science Daily's report. The researchers, however, said that more research is needed to repeat the study's findings in a bigger group of respondents.

Folinic acid is a reduced form of a B vitamin called folate, which is naturally found in foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, peas and grains, the National Institutes of Health listed. Folate also helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects, preterm birth and congenital heart defects in babies. Folate can lower the risks of cancer, heart disease, stroke, dementia, depression, cognitive malfunction and Alzheimer's disease as well.

Past studies have already linked folate to autism. Some studies found that women who took folate supplements before and during pregnancy are less likely to have offspring with autism.

Cerebral folate deficiency (CFD) is a condition where the central nervous system's concentration of folate is below normal. Researchers found a decade ago that numerous children with CFD also have autism symptoms. These kids took treatment with high-dose folinic acid and responded positively as well.

Folinic acid or leucovorin is used on cancer patients alongside other chemotherapy drugs to improve protectiveness or as a "chemoprotectant," according to Chemocare. Some of folinic acid's side effects are rash, itching, facial flushing, nausea, and vomiting.