Some children with autism prefer to play alone or even isolate themselves from others. A serotonin imbalance could be responsible for these social challenges.
Some children living with autism prefer to play by themselves, with frequent isolation being one of the most common factors used to diagnose autism. Children may struggle to communicate and interact with others, including children their own age.
This preference for isolation among children on the autism spectrum is often the result of a serotonin imbalance. The neurotransmitter known as the “happy hormone,” serotonin is crucial to our social and emotional well-being.
As such, a serotonin imbalance can also contribute to over- or under-eating, obsessions and fixations, or even sleep problems.
This article will explore the connection between serotonin and autism, and the corresponding social isolation with which many children on the autism spectrum face.
What Causes a Serotonin Imbalance?
One common reason for a serotonin imbalance is poor diet—specifically, a diet with low tryptophan levels, which are often associated with picky eating.
Tryptophan is the main amino acid that forms serotonin. It is found in the following foods:
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Nuts
- Milk
- Oats
- Fish
Consuming too many simple carbs and sugars can also lead to a reduction in serotonin levels. For children on the autism spectrum, it’s important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet rich in ingredients that cultivate healthy serotonin production.
Another cause of low serotonin is stress. High stress levels lead to a rise in cortisol, which is known to boost tryptophan breakdown and decrease serotonin production. To mitigate the risk of serotonin imbalance, stress levels should be managed with care, in conjunction with any dietary changes that may occur.
Food allergies, toxins, infections, and excess sugar consumption can all lead to the development of inflammatory mediators. Cytokines that trigger tryptophan breakdown, and cultivate glutamate production, can be stimulated as well.
Other serotonin imbalance risk factors include genetic predisposition to reduced serotonin levels and magnesium deficiency. To this end, productive dietary changes can assist in the regulation of serotonin levels—including in children with autism.
Ultimately, regulating your child’s serotonin levels is vital to effectively managing their autism.
Recommendations for Regulating Serotonin Levels
One way to regulate serotonin levels in children with autism is to reduce the amount of sugar in their diet. This can be difficult, especially if the child enjoys eating sweet or processed foods. The potential benefits, however, can be a powerful motivator in finding dietary substitutes.
Additionally, it’s crucial to treat any food allergies the child may have, in order to reduce the risk of inflammation that could affect their serotonin production. Dietary supplements like folic acid—when a deficiency is identified—or pyridoxal-5-phosphate could be effective solutions.
Magnesium should be taken as well if a deficiency is found. This is because it may help to improve certain symptoms, including hyperactivity, fidgeting, and impaired concentration.
Research also shows that when a deficiency is identified, omega-3 and vitamin D can help to treat common symptoms of autism. Both may be taken as supplements or consumed in foods such as:
- Vitamin D: Mushrooms, egg yolks, fortified cereals
- Omega-3: Chia seeds, seaweed, flaxseeds, walnuts
Adaptogenic herbs such as Centella and Rhodiola may help to stimulate serotonin production as well.
In closing, following the above recommendations may assist in promoting more balanced serotonin levels in children with autism—especially when persistent isolation could be causing problems. Addressing these dietary deficiencies could expedite these children’s progress, strengthening their health and improving their social abilities.
The information mentioned above is written solely for the purpose of increasing patient understanding. It does not serve as a substitute for medical advice.
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