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Learning Difficulties and Autism
Children with autism are no strangers to learning difficulties and memory issues. A custom approach to supplementation could be the science-backed solution you’ve been waiting for.
Challenges in learning, paying attention, and retaining memories are common among children with autism.
Studies have shown that this is caused by a deficiency in acetylcholine: the neurotransmitter responsible for refining memory, motivation, thought processes, language skills, and concentration.
Acetylcholine, or the chemical compound formed from acetyl coenzyme A and choline (the latter being a nutrient from B vitamins), is different from other neurotransmitters as it isn’t bound to an amino acid.
Generally, choline gets into the body through food, while acetyl coenzyme A is found in the cells as a result of energy production.
But how does this neurotransmitter work—and why is it less active in children with autism? This article will explore exactly that.
What Does Acetylcholine Do?
The neurotransmitter acetylcholine helps to maintain moisture in the body, allowing information to be transferred more easily. It also allows for myelin—the mixture of proteins and phospholipids surrounding the nerves—to dictate brain activity.
The brain can struggle to connect new stimuli when the body lacks the required amount of acetylcholine. Its processing speed slows, and some of the essential information it should take in may fall through the cracks before it can be processed. Additionally, memories can become patchy and less effective.
Speech problems may occur too, due to the slowing of essential electrical signals, while the child can find concentrating and comprehending information tough as well.
With that, distinguishing concentration issues caused by dopamine deficiency and forgetfulness caused by acetylcholine is vital. The right deficiency should be addressed to achieve the desired outcome, which means an accurate assessment is crucial.
Why Is Acetylcholine Less Active in Children with Autism?
There are several reasons the neurotransmitter acetylcholine may be less active in children with autism. These include:
- A low density of acetylcholine receptors.
- Reduced acetylcholine secretion from the presynaptic cell.
- Excessive acetylcholine breakdown.
What can parents do to increase their child’s choline intake? One option is to plan and enforce a strict diet.
Boosting Choline Consumption with a Controlled Diet
Parents who are concerned about acetylcholine issues can create a careful diet to increase neurotransmitter levels in their child’s brain.
This should help to mitigate some of the learning challenges children with autism may face.
As children with autism often have selective diets, they may be deficient in acetylcholine. Encouraging them to eat some or all of the foods listed below can be difficult, but it’s well worth the effort. Most of these foods are delicious and can be added to meals or consumed as snacks.
With that, choline is available in foods such as:
- Pumpkin
- Peanuts
- Liver
- Fish
- Dairy
- Beef
- Chicken
- Egg yolk
- Brazil nuts
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
Peanuts and Brazil nuts may be packed in a child’s lunch box, while cauliflower and cabbage are excellent additions to a hearty soup. Regardless of your approach, experimentation will almost certainly pay off when you prepare a meal your child enjoys. This will also bring peace of mind that their neurotransmitter levels will increase.
Are you concerned your child is grappling with an acetylcholine deficiency? It’s important to have your child tested if you believe they are experiencing difficulties involving their learning, memory, or attention span.
Do you have questions about the content of this article? Please contact us for more information.
Dreams Can Come True
See how C.A.T.’s targeted nutritional supplements therapy changed three-year-old Lior’s Life.
In May 2020, we embarked on a fascinating documentary journey. For five months, we filmed Lior and his parents. The film documents his targeted therapy and teaches how it is possible to dramatically reduce autism symptoms by analyzing advanced laboratory tests and applying an in-depth understanding of how to repair impaired metabolic processes that influence behaviors.
