A Randomized Controlled Interventional Study on the Effects of Spirulina Supplementation on Anxiety in Children With Non-Idiopathic Autism

Detailed Description

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent challenges in social interaction, communication, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. According to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 54 children aged 8 years is diagnosed with ASD. The exact etiology of ASD remains unclear, but both genetic and environmental risk factors-including advanced parental age, prenatal infections, and complications during pregnancy-have been implicated.

ASD presents with a heterogeneous range of symptoms and severity. Some children may demonstrate intellectual disability, language delays, sensory sensitivities, stereotyped behaviors, and resistance to change. Others may show above-average intelligence, articulate speech, and creative talents. In addition to core symptoms, individuals with ASD often suffer from comorbidities such as anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal disturbances, and sleep problems. These comorbid conditions can significantly impair quality of life and increase the burden on families, necessitating a multidisciplinary treatment approach.

While no definitive cure for ASD currently exists, evidence-based interventions such as behavioral therapies, educational programs, and pharmacological treatments aim to manage core symptoms and associated conditions. Common pharmacologic interventions include antipsychotic medications such as risperidone to manage irritability and aggression. However, these medications often come with undesirable side effects. Consequently, there is a growing interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to support children with ASD.

Recent studies suggest that 50-95% of families with ASD-affected children explore CAM therapies, including herbal medicine, dietary supplements, and special diets. Despite limited empirical evidence, several traditional remedies have shown promise in mitigating symptoms or improving physiological functions in ASD.