Below are some of the supplements we have and are using. The reason for using them is based on an initial blood test done by Alex’s doctor.

Only start a supplement or medication as directed by your doctor.

Melatonin – It is not a “sleeping pill”, it will not put you to sleep, but it will help make you drowsy and help with the sleep-wake cycle. At the moment I only give it to Alex every second night. This is only available via script. Note: If your little one does have a sleeping problem, speak to your doctor about it in order to figure out what the cause is. They will know what treatment to prescribe. See the article regarding Melatonin and Sleep.

mB12 (Methyl B12) – This one was a bit of a surprise for even me. It helps with cognitive development and stimulates the centre in the brain responsible for language development. Note: Some children develop challenging behaviour from B12, folate and B-vitamins. An MTHFR mutation might be the reason for this – see “Brain & Blood Disorders” under the “Other Information” tab. (Any brand your doctor prescribes)

p5p/ Active B6 – In your body, P5P plays a fundamental role in amino acid metabolism, heme biosynthesis, neurotransmitter biosynthesis, collagen formation and glucocorticoid action. Additionally, P5P helps to balance your sodium and potassium levels by regulating the electrical functioning of your nerves, heart and musculoskeletal system. Alone and together with other enzymes, P5P helps your body to build and break down amino acids and to change amino acids from one to another. Further, P5P facilitates the release of stored energy from your liver and muscles and facilitates the production of antibodies and red blood cells. (Any brand your doctor prescribes)

Vitamin D – promotes calcium absorption in the gut. Calcium, in turn, helps with bone growth and strength. It also helps with the modulation of cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and reduction of inflammation. You would have thought that living in a sunny country we will get plenty of Vit D from the sun, but we are just not absorbing enough via our skin. (Any brand your doctor prescribes)

Zinplex Junior Syrup- Multi-mineral supplement which helps with:

• Assists with the boosting and development of the immune system
• Could help combat colds, flu, runny nose and oral thrush.
• Helps with skin rashes.
• Can help treat and reduce the incidence of diarrhoea.
• Can assist to improve concentration ability in young children.

Vivomixx or Metagenics Ultraflora Synergy – concentrated probiotic food supplement that contains 112 billion live lyophilized bacteria with 8 carefully selected strains. – I am currently using Reuterina with Vit D probiotic drops. (Any brand your doctor prescribes)

General health

Multi-Vitamin – Any multivitamin is good, but anything that is like a gummy sweet is a winner because they think they are getting a sweetie. (Any brand your doctor prescribes)

Omega 3 + 6 – Fish oil/ Omega-3 supplement that helps with concentration. We use the eyeQ brand one, but you can use any Omega supplement with added Zinc, Vit B6 and Vit D. (Any brand your doctor prescribes)

Meal Supplements – Supplement for picky eaters can be used as a shake to help add vitamins and mineral that your child does not get in because he is not eating fruit or vegetables. If your child is placed on a GFCF diet makes sure the meal supplement does not contain any wheat (gluten) or milk (whey/ casein) elements. (Any brand your doctor prescribes)

If you want to help them pick up weight, you can try whey powder.

Please note: Meal Supplements is not a long term solution.

Many would suggest PediSure, however, it is high in sugar, so for your ADHA kid that is not such a good idea.

A more detailed blog post will be made regarding all the vitamins and supplement, for now, click here.

Eating Plan

Many Autistics have some food issues, your doctor will prescribe that your child goes on a special eating plan, normally a gluten-free/casein-free diet. But not always. The eating plan is normally prescribed after a stool test is done. Products also given is Ultraflora which is a Probiotics. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system and depending on your doctor, they will suggest the use of Kefir. Kefir is made from gelatinous white or yellow particles called “grains.” This makes kefir unique, as no other milk culture forms grains. These grains contain the bacteria/yeast mixture clumped together with casein (milk proteins) and complex sugars. They look like pieces of coral or small clumps of cauliflower and range from the size of a grain of wheat to that of a hazelnut.

The website of Nadia Swart called Natural Green can tell you more about milk/water kefir.

If you have gone through the Hospital for the diagnoses, they will refer you to the Feeding Clinic which is part of the Speech Therapy and Auditory Department. If the eating problem is related to sensory issues, they will refer you to someone working with sensory problems.

There are also several eating plans, click here and here to read more about them.