Omega 3 fatty acids appear to be safe and helpful for children with autism.

This open study looked at the effect of omega 3 fatty acids on ten children with autism. The children were given 1 gram of omega 3 fatty acids (180 mg DHA and 380 mg of EPA) for 12 weeks. The children were tested for symptoms of autism by a board-certified child psychiatrist upon entrance to the study, at 6 weeks, and at 12 weeks. The children were examined using three tests for symptoms of autism. The symptoms of autism improved in most of the children after 6 weeks of omega 3 fatty acid therapy.

Another study was designed to first measure the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in children with autism and then give the children PUFA supplements to see if their behavior improved. The study was done in Egypt. The authors found that children with autism had decreased levels of three types of PUFAs when compared to controls: linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid. These decreased levels were the same as those seen in earlier studies of children with autism. The authors found that PUFA supplements improved behavior, ability to concentrate, motor skills, and language in children with autism.