Leucovorin (Folinic Acid) in Autism Treatment
At the Mind & Body Clinic, we adopt a holistic approach to Autism treatment, including:
- Diet
- Medication
- Behavioral Therapy
Leucovorin (folinic acid) is incorporated into some autism treatment protocols to support a specific biological pathway, rather than addressing the core characteristics of autism directly.
Research indicates that a subset of individuals with autism may have challenges related to folate metabolism or folate transport—most notably due to the presence of folate receptor-α autoantibodies (FRAAs). These autoantibodies hinder the transport of folate into the brain, resulting in a condition known as cerebral folate deficiency (CFD).
Leucovorin works by bypassing this blocked pathway, enabling folate to reach the brain more effectively. Clinical studies suggest that in FRAA-positive children, leucovorin supplementation may lead to improvements in:
- Language development
- Communication skills
- Attention span
- Overall developmental functioning
Leucovorin is generally well tolerated, but dosing and monitoring should be overseen by a clinician experienced in metabolic therapies for autism.
For more information, visit: https://tacanow.org/family-resources/leucovorin-for-autism/
