Do Naturopathic Doctors Treat Autism?
Naturopathic medicine is gaining popularity among people with autism and their families. From special diets to supplements like probiotics and omega-3s, many are exploring these options in hopes of easing symptoms or improving quality of life. But do they actually work?
A recent systematic review looked at clinical trials published between 2013 and 2023 to find out.
Researchers screened nearly 1,800 studies and narrowed it down to 39 that met strict scientific standards. Here’s what they discovered and what it means for people with autism today. A recent systematic review looked at clinical trials published between 2013 and 2023 to find out. Researchers screened nearly 1,800 studies and narrowed it down to 39 that met strict scientific standards. Here’s what they discovered and what it means for people with autism today.
The use of naturopathic medicine for autism should be personalized, informed by evidence and respectful of the lived experiences of autistic people and their families.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. While it’s often diagnosed in childhood, many adults remain undiagnosed for years.1 It’s also increasingly understood that autism looks different in different people—especially between males and females—and that each autistic person has their own unique needs and experiences.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects about 1 in 50 children and youth in Canada, making it a common and important issue.2 ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition that can impact how a person communicates, interacts socially, and manages daily tasks. But the effects go beyond the individual—it also deeply affects families and puts pressure on schools, healthcare systems, and social services to provide the right kind of support.
Although medications like risperidone and aripiprazole are sometimes used to treat certain symptoms (like irritability), many core features of autism don’t have pharmaceutical options. This gap has led many families and autistic individuals to seek out naturopathic treatments—ranging from nutritional supplements to specialized diets. In fact, up to 95% of autistic individuals may try some form of naturopathic treatment in their lifetime.3
The systematic review of clinical trials published between 2013 and 2023 found two main types of naturopathic treatments for autism in the research; dietary interventions and supplements such as vitamins, omega-3s, probiotics, and antioxidants. Here’s a breakdown of what works, what doesn’t, and where more research is needed.
Naturopathic Diets for Autism: What the Research Says | ||
|---|---|---|
Diet | Findings | Notes |
Gluten-Free Casein-Free | Evidence of benefit for behavior or cognition | Popular but may not work for everyone |
Ketogenic Diet | Improved autism rating scores in some studies | Challenging to sustain |
Low FODMAP Diet | Improvement in digestive symptoms | Promising, but more study is needed |
Camel Milk | Antioxidant effects; some positive behavior changes | Limited Research |
Naturopathic Diets for Autism
One of the most popular diets in the autism community is the Gluten-Free Casein-Free (GFCF) diet.Some researchers believe that gluten (found in wheat) and casein (found in dairy) might make symptoms of autism worse in certain individuals. One theory is that when these proteins are broken down during digestion, they produce tiny compounds that act like opioids and may affect the brain—especially if the gut lining is more porous, sometimes called a "leaky gut."
This might explain why some people with autism seem more sensitive to these foods. Others suggest that gluten and casein could trigger inflammation or gut issues, which in turn might influence behavior and brain function. While many parents report improvements when removing these foods from their child’s diet, the scientific evidence is still unclear. That said, some individuals—especially those with digestive problems or food sensitivities—may genuinely benefit from a gluten- and casein-free diet.
here is some evidence supporting the use of this diet and most of the reviewed studies show some benefit for behavior, cognition, or physical health. The Ketogenic Diet, often used for epilepsy, showed more promising results. In one study, autistic children who followed the keto diet for several months had better scores on autism rating scales compared to those who didn’t. However, this diet is challenging to adhere to so having the professional guidance of a naturopathic doctor is essential in making this a sustainable approach.
Other diets, like Low FODMAP (which targets digestive symptoms) and camel milk (used for its antioxidant effects), showed some positive outcomes and more research is being conducted to understand long-term effects and safety.
Do Supplements Help with Autism?
Supplements like Vitamin D, B12, and folinic acid may help—but mainly when there’s a deficiency. For example, Vitamin D combined with omega-3s improved social awareness and communication in some children. Folinic acid showed promise in improving verbal communication.
And essential fatty acids, often found in fish oil, were one of the most widely studied supplements. Many trials showed improvements in social skills and reduced hyperactivity, while others found no significant benefit.The verdict? Omega-3s may help some people but not others.
Furthermore, specific antioxidant compounds found in food have become a buzzworthy treatment. Again, many studies showed improvements in social interaction and behavior, but others found no effect. Overall, antioxidants target oxidative stress, a process believed to affect brain function. And some studies showed they help to improve sleep and reduce irritability.
Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes for Gut Health in Autism
Digestive health is often a concern in autism, and many families try probiotics or digestive enzymes to improve gut function. Digestive enzymes were linked to better digestion and improved behavior in a few small studies. Probiotics also showed promise—but the specific strain of bacteria mattered.For example, Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium infantis were associated with better mood, reduced GI symptoms, and improved behavior. When combined with prebiotics, these “good bugs” seemed to have even stronger effects.
Supporting Autism with a Personalized Naturopathic Approach
At Aspire Natural Health, we work alongside autistic individuals and their families to create nutrition, supplement, and digestive health plans that are evidence-informed and tailored to unique needs. Our goal is not to “cure” autism, but to enhance quality of life, support overall well-being, and address individual health concerns with compassion and expertise.
Frequently asked Questions
- Do naturopathic doctors treat autism?
Yes. Naturopathic doctors often support autistic individuals with nutrition, supplementation, and digestive health, aiming to improve quality of life rather than “cure” autism. - What naturopathic treatments are commonly used for autism?
Popular treatments include dietary changes (like the gluten-free casein-free diet), nutritional supplements (vitamin D, omega-3s), probiotics, and digestive enzymes. - Is there scientific evidence for naturopathic therapies in autism?
A recent review of clinical trials from 2013–2023 found promising evidence for some diets and supplements, but results vary, and more research is needed. - What diet helps most with autism symptoms?
The GFCF diet is most commonly tried, with some studies showing benefits in behavior and cognition. However, it may not help everyone. - Can supplements like omega-3 or vitamin D improve autism symptoms?
Possibly. Some studies show improvements in communication and behavior, especially when correcting deficiencies. Results vary by individual.
Naturopathic therapies, especially targeted supplements and digestive supports, hold promise for many autistic individuals.
Conclusion
Naturopathic medicine is widely used, and many therapies show good potential for the treatment of autism and stronger evidence is still being uncovered. Nutritional supplements help especially if there is a deficiency or specific need. Popular diets like GFCF may not work for everyone and can be challenging to implement, especially for people with restricted eating patterns. Digestive support (like probiotics or enzymes) may offer real benefits, especially for those with gut issues.
Naturopathic Doctors tend to emphasize a shift from “fixing” autistic traits to supporting individual needs and improving well-being.Naturopathic therapies, especially targeted supplements and digestive supports, hold promise for many autistic individuals and more research is being conducted to know the details of how these approaches work and what makes a meaningful difference in quality of life. Along with considering the research, clinical decisions about the use of naturopathic medicine for autism should be personalized, informed by evidence where available & respectful of the lived experiences of autistic people and their families.
