A February 8, 2008 press release by Vanderbilt University confirms that melatonin can help individuals with an autism spectrum disorder that also have problems with sleep.  Melatonin is a natural supplement; it is believed that people on the autism spectrum are deficient in melatonin.  Supplementing melatonin is thought to induce a more normal and restful sleep pattern.

The Vanderbilt study had 107 participants; 85% of the participants reported improved sleep or completely resolved sleep issues.  According to the news release:

“Although prospective trials will be needed to determine if melatonin is an effective sleep aid in this population, this study does support that it may be a reasonable treatment option in these children when administered under the care of a physician and combined with behavioral therapies for sleep.”

Autism Speaks and the Dana Foundation have pledged $100,000 towards a research study looking at the melatonin solution further. 

Source:  Vanderbilt News Service

A February 9 report by Science Daily discusses a recent study that states that boys with autism are at a higher risk for thin bones when compared to their non-autistic peers.  The study cites a commonly used dietary intervention prevalent among children with autism spectrum disorders - the gluten-free casein-free diet.  Casein is found in all dairy products; dairy products are traditionally the primary source of calcium and vitamin D which are necessary in achieving adequate bone density.

Part of the study’s findings were:

At 5 or 6 years of age, the bones of the autistic boys were significantly thinner than the bones of boys without autism and the difference in bone thickness became even greater at ages 7 and 8.

For more information on the study, which was funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, read the Science Daily article.