A randomized controlled trial of fish-oil supplementation for children with autism spectrum disorder.

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the broad term for neurodevelopmental disorders resulting in impairments in social interaction and communication, and a restricted range of activities and interests. Many countries, including Australia, have reported a dramatic increase in the number of diagnoses over the past three decades, and recent estimates put the prevalence of ASD at 1 in every 110 individuals (~1%). The use of specific supplements, nutrients and dietary plans have become widespread, including the use of supplements such as fish oil (currently up to 40%). However, use of these supplements is typically based on parental report and supported by little actual evidence, and therefore fish oil represents an additional invalidated cost to families already spending a considerable sum for their child’s therapy. Aim: The aim of this study is to find out more about the effect of fish oil for children with ASD, by examining the effects on behaviour, cognition and language. Significance: While there have been a small number of studies investigating the effects of fish oil for children with ASD, these studies had a small number of participants, a large age range of participants, a lower dosage and a less varied range of assessments. Approach: We will recruit children with ASD between the ages of 2 to 6 years to receive either 2ml of fish oil liquid daily consisting of a total of 1.08 grams of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids per day or 2ml of control liquid per day, containing 1 gram of sunflower oil per day. All group supplements will be provided daily for six months, and will consist of a 2ml flavoured liquid, identical in taste and colour. Before and after supplementation children with be assessed using a number of tests assessing behaviour, neurocognition and language, to see if supplementation improved any of these skills.