Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by the core domains of persistent deficits in social communication and restricted-repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, or activities. A heterogeneous and complex set of neurodevelopmental conditions are grouped in the spectrum. Pro-inflammatory events and immune system dysfunctions are cellular and molecular events associated with ASD. Several conditions co-occur with ASD: seizures, gastro-intestinal problems, attention deficit, anxiety and depression, and sleep problems. However, language and speech issues are key components of ASD symptoms current therapies find difficult to face. Several speech-stimulating substances have been shown to be effective in increasing speech ability in ASD subjects. The need for large clinical trials to determine safety and efficacy is recommended.
Highlights
A deficiency of Arachidonic acid (ARA) could lead to lower levels of anandamide and 2-AG, which could be the mechanism for the increased Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk we have shown due to a lack of sufficient amounts of breastfeeding or use of an infant formula without ARA supplementation [20]
We have shown that children with ASD have more Messenger RNA (mRNA) for type 2 cannabinoid receptors in their peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) compared to the typically-developing population [28]
This review considers all the substances that have been proposed to improve core ASD features, those related with the speech (Figure 1)
Summary
Many substances have been proposed to improve speech in individuals with ASD. Vitamins in particular have been proposed as therapies. Vitamin B12 injected (64.5 μg/kg every three days, subcutaneously) in a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical trial of 30 children with ASD showed no effect on overall outcomes [36]. The same author performed an open-label clinical trial with the use of 20 mg/Kg per day of THB in 10 autistic children for 16 weeks [47]. THB or placebo for 16 weeks demonstrated the effectiveness in reducing problems with social awareness, autism mannerisms, hyperactivity, and inappropriate speech [49]. Has shown that THB does improve concomitant metabolic abnormalities in individuals with ASD; in particular, it has a significant effect on methylation and markers of chronic oxidative stress; additional clinical trials would be required to conclusively establish a beneficial effect on speech
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