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Review
. 2019 Jun 12;9(6):60.
doi: 10.3390/bs9060060.

Speech-Stimulating Substances in Autism Spectrum Disorders

María Andrea Castillo  1 , Kendy Eduardo Urdaneta  2   3 , Neomar Semprún-Hernández  4   5 , Anna Lisa Brigida  6 , Nicola Antonucci  7 , Stephen Schultz  8 , Dario Siniscalco  9   10
Affiliations
Review

Speech-Stimulating Substances in Autism Spectrum Disorders

María Andrea Castillo et al. Behav Sci (Basel). .

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.

Keywords: autism spectrum disorder; language; nutrition; speech.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Key elements of cognitive process regulation through substances discussed in the manuscript and their chemical structures.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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