The "Suicide Threat" in Teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorder

"Can teenagers with ASD Level 1 (high functioning autism) become so depressed that they become a risk for suicide?"

Unfortunately, the answer is ‘yes’. Research reveals a 50% demonstration of what we call “suicidal ideation” (i.e., talking about killing yourself) with Asperger's and High-Functioning Autistic teens.

When we look at the cases of teens on the autism spectrum who have attempted suicide or talk about committing suicide, the main issues usually revolve around self-esteem and social isolation. Thus, the parents and teachers should be as supportive as possible.

Here are 25 tips to show parents how to be supportive of a suicidal teenager:

1. A teenager who you feel is “high risk” for suicide should never be left alone, if even for a moment. Keep talking to that person, and stay with him or her.

2. Ask if he/she is thinking about suicide.

3. Ask if they have a plan. If so, take them seriously and move quickly to get help. Remove anything that would help them carry out their plan – guns, drugs, alcohol, knives, etc.

4. Depression in one youngster can cause stress or anxiety in other family members, so make sure “healthy” kids are not ignored. Siblings may need special individual attention or professional help of their own to handle their feelings about the situation. 
 
5. Don’t act shocked.

6. Don’t ask “why.” This encourages defensiveness.

7. Don’t bait the suicidal. Don’t say, “I think you’re just bluffing. I don’t believe you.”

8. Don’t be afraid to talk with him about suicide. Talking about it does not make it worse, but better. Be direct. Talk openly and freely about suicide.

9. Don’t be sworn to secrecy. Get support.

10. Don’t give up if your adolescent shuts you out at first. Talking about depression can be very tough for teens. Be respectful of your youngster’s comfort level while still emphasizing your concern and willingness to listen.

11. Don’t tiptoe around the issue of teen depression in an attempt to “protect” the other kids. Kids know when something is wrong. When left in the dark, their imaginations will often jump to far worse conclusions. Be open about what is going on and invite your kids to ask questions and share their feelings.

12. Don’t try to talk teens out of their depression, even if their feelings or concerns appear silly or irrational to you. Simply acknowledge the pain and sadness they are feeling. If you don’t, they will feel like you don’t take their emotions seriously.

13. Encourage your adolescent to stay active. Exercise can go a long way toward relieving the symptoms of depression, so find ways to incorporate it into your adolescent’s day. Something as simple as walking the dog or going on a bike ride can be beneficial.

14. Get the emotional support you need. Reach out to friends, join a support group, or see a therapist of your own. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, helpless, or angry. The important thing is to talk about how your teen’s depression is affecting you, rather than bottling up your emotions.

15. In order to help a depressed teen, you need to stay healthy and positive yourself, so don’t ignore your own needs. The stress of the situation can affect your own moods and emotions, so cultivate your well–being by eating right, getting enough sleep, and making time for things you enjoy. 
 
16. Isolation only makes depression worse, so encourage your adolescent to see friends and praise efforts to socialize. Offer to take your teen out with friends or suggest social activities that might be of interest, such as sports, after-school clubs, or an art class.

17. It can be easy to blame yourself or another family member for your teen’s depression, but it only adds to an already stressful situation. Furthermore, depression is normally caused by a number of factors, so it’s unlikely—except in the case of abuse or neglect—that any loved one is “responsible”.

18. Just like you would if your youngster had a disease you knew very little about, read up on depression so that you can be your own “expert.” The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to help your depressed teen. Encourage your adolescent to learn more about depression as well. Reading up on their condition can help depressed teens realize that they’re not alone and give them a better understanding of what they’re going through.

19. Let depressed adolescents know that you’re there for them, fully and unconditionally. Hold back from asking a lot of questions (adolescents don’t like to feel patronized or crowded), but make it clear that you’re ready and willing to provide whatever support they need.

20. Living with a depressed adolescent can be difficult and draining. At times, you may experience exhaustion, rejection, despair, aggravation, or any other number of negative emotions. During this trying time, it’s important to remember that your youngster is not being difficult on purpose. Your teen is suffering, so do your best to be patient and understanding.

21. Make sure you take any threat of suicide seriously. Of all the people who have committed suicide, 80% have given some kind of warning.
 

22. Make sure your adolescent is following all treatment instructions and going to therapy. It’s especially important that your youngster takes any prescribed medication as instructed. Track changes in your teen’s condition, and call the doctor if depression symptoms seem to be getting worse.

23. Offer hope that alternatives are available.

24. Resist any urge to criticize or pass judgment once your adolescent begins to talk. The important thing is that your youngster is communicating. Avoid offering unsolicited advice or ultimatums as well.

25. You could very well be that voice of hope to someone you love. Most times a suicidal person needs someone close to them to be a voice of hope. 
 
Because of the very real danger of suicide, Aspergers teens who are depressed should be watched closely for any signs of suicidal thoughts or behavior. The warning signs include:
  • Changes in eating and sleeping habits
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Engaging in reckless behavior or having a lot of accidents resulting in injury
  • Fatigue or lack of energy
  • Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Irritability, anger, or hostility
  • Lack of enthusiasm and motivation
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Restlessness and agitation
  • Sadness or hopelessness
  • Saying goodbye to friends and family as if for good
  • Saying things like, “I’d be better off dead,” “I wish I could disappear forever,” or “There’s no way out”
  • Seeking out weapons, pills, or other ways to kill themselves
  • Speaking positively about death or romanticizing dying (“If I died, people might love me more”)
  • Talking or joking about committing suicide
  • Tearfulness or frequent crying
  • Thoughts of death or suicide
  • Withdrawal from friends and family
  • Writing stories and poems about death, dying, or suicide



Follow-up Question:

"My son Avi is 14 years old. He was diagnosed with Aspergers at age 9 and since then, has been attending a special ed class within a regular school. He’s generally happy in the class, he has a great teacher and a peer group with whom he can identify and feel comfortable. He is the middle of 7 children. Recently, his 16 year old brother, with whom Avi usually has a fairly good relationship, got frustrated with Avi and told him that if he didn’t change (stop talking incessantly about Pokemon, have better attitude to homework, etc) that he’d never get anywhere in life. Avi sometimes has extreme reactions, but this time his reaction had a new and scary aspect. He lay down on the floor, crawl up the stairs towards his bedroom, breathing heavily and growling “I’m no good, I’ll never amount to anything, I might as well be dead”, and then he climbed on his bed and tried to climb out of the window, as if to jump out. I managed to calm him down, it took about an hour, he took a bath, went to bed and never mentioned it again. I’m not sure if he would have jumped, or if he was “play-acting” the role of a suicidal person (he’s very imaginative) but it was very frightening. My question is: Avi is a fragile personality without resources to deal with a simple insult. How can I speak to him about suicide, when he’s calm, and give him the TOOLS he needs to deal with insults, as I’m sure this won't be the last time that someone insults or offends him?"


Answer:

First of all, I’m very sure he was play-acting and has no intention of committing suicide.

Secondly, he obviously looks up to his older brother and values his opinion (otherwise, he wouldn’t have over-reacted like this). So you may want to have a conversation with your older son that he needs to be careful what he says to his younger brother.

Thirdly, what we are dealing with here is a child with very low self-esteem. I think this is the core issue. Children with Aspergers and HFA have a much harder time with their self-esteem. Here are just a few reasons why:

1. Expressive and comprehensive communication has a direct impact on a child’s self-esteem. These are areas that do not come easily to children on the autism spectrum.
2. The expectations of siblings and the all-too-frequent bullying interactions from many peers can leave an Aspergers or HFA child feeling devastated.
3. The visits to doctors, or speech therapists, or OTs, the testing, and the stream of interventions that we try with them can easily leave them feeling like they're under the microscope, a specimen that warrants investigation, a person who needs fixing.
4. They often perceive the constant correction of their behaviors and their social interactions as criticism
5. Understanding subtle jokes and participating in human interplay, actions natural to their neurotypical peers, further increase their feelings of 'not fitting in' and erode their self-esteem.

Here's how you can play an important role in promoting healthy self-esteem in your son:

1. As parents, we must believe in our children’s value ourselves before we can ever change their minds. These children know when we're faking our compliments or arbitrarily handing out encouragement because the therapy book says we should give 5 positive comments to each correction. 

2. Be a positive role model. If you're excessively harsh on yourself, pessimistic, or unrealistic about your abilities and limitations, your son may eventually mirror you. Nurture your own self-esteem, and your son will have a great role model.

3. Be spontaneous and affectionate. Your love will go a long way to boost your son's self-esteem. Give hugs and tell him you're proud of them. Pop a note in your son's lunchbox that reads, "I think you're terrific!" Give praise frequently and honestly, without overdoing it. Children can tell whether something comes from the heart.
 
==> Launching Adult Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Guide for Parents Who Want to Promote Self-Reliance

4. Believing in your son involves empathy, walking in their shoes, rather than sympathy; no one wants to be felt sorry for. Each child is a gift, with his own special qualities. We just need to look for these special gifts, tune into the child with our hearts, and bring their essence out.

5. Create a safe, loving home environment. Children who don't feel safe or are abused at home will suffer immensely from low self-esteem.

6. Empower your son to be himself, perfectly okay with who and how he is. Do this by loving him for who he is now, today, not who you think he should become someday. 

7. Encourage your son to share his thoughts and feelings; this is so important and often sheds new light on existing situations. 

8. Explain the disorder to your son when he is able to understand his disorder. Who are we really kidding, other than ourselves, when we pretend a child does not have the autism label, or we try to camouflage it? Who are we hurting? It's the child who is hurt in the long run.

9. Give positive, accurate feedback. Statements like, "You were really mad at your brother. But I appreciate that you didn't yell at him or hit him" acknowledges a child’s feelings, rewards the choice made, and encourages him to make the right choice again next time.

10. Go to conferences, read books, research and share information that takes into consideration the many sensory, social, behavioral and communication challenges faced by your child. Armed with this understanding of how the disability affects him, you and others can better find ways to help him fit in. 

11. Help your son become involved in constructive experiences. Activities that encourage cooperation rather than competition are especially helpful in fostering self-esteem. For example, mentoring programs in which an older child helps a younger one learn to read can do wonders for both children.

12. Identify and redirect your son's inaccurate beliefs. It's important for you to identify your son’s irrational beliefs about himself, whether they're about perfection, attractiveness, ability, or anything else. Helping children set more accurate standards and be more realistic in evaluating themselves will help them have a healthy self-concept. Inaccurate perceptions of self can take root and become reality to children.

13. Keep your son’s life manageable, refraining from overwhelming him with so many activities that he becomes too challenged physically and mentally to succeed at anything. Like most people, children with Aspergers and HFA feel better about themselves when they're balanced physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 
 
==> Launching Adult Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Guide for Parents Who Want to Promote Self-Reliance

14. Provide choices to your son frequently so he understands that he has a say in his own life -- and even let him be in charge sometimes. 

15. Since children on the spectrum are often very picky eaters and gravitate towards junk food, it's important to try supplementing their diet. Also, provide regular physical activity, when possible, to relieve stress and clear his mind. 

16. Watch for signs of abuse by others, problems in school, trouble with peers, and other factors that may affect your son’s self-esteem. Deal with these issues sensitively - but swiftly. 

17. Watch what you say. Kids on the spectrum are very sensitive to their parent’s words. Remember to praise your son not only for a job well done, but also for effort. But be truthful. For example, if your son doesn't make the soccer team, avoid saying something like, "Well, next time you'll work harder and make it." Instead, try "Well, you didn't make the team, but I'm really proud of the effort you put into it." Reward effort and completion instead of outcome.

18. Lastly, when we say, "You are great!" to your son often enough, he, too, will believe it and feel valued for who he truly is.
 

 

More articles for parents of children and teens on the autism spectrum:
 
Social rejection has devastating effects in many areas of functioning. Because the ASD child tends to internalize how others treat him, rejection damages self-esteem and often causes anxiety and depression. As the child feels worse about himself and becomes more anxious and depressed – he performs worse, socially and intellectually.

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Meltdowns are not a pretty sight. They are somewhat like overblown temper tantrums, but unlike tantrums, meltdowns can last anywhere from ten minutes to over an hour. When it starts, the Asperger's or HFA child is totally out-of-control. When it ends, both you and your child are totally exhausted. But... don’t breathe a sigh of relief yet. At the least provocation, for the remainder of that day -- and sometimes into the next - the meltdown can return in full force.

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Although Aspergers [high-functioning autism] is at the milder end of the autism spectrum, the challenges parents face when disciplining a teenager on the spectrum are more difficult than they would be with an average teen. Complicated by defiant behavior, the teen is at risk for even greater difficulties on multiple levels – unless the parents’ disciplinary techniques are tailored to their child's special needs.

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Your older teenager or young “adult child” isn’t sure what to do, and he is asking you for money every few days. How do you cut the purse strings and teach him to be independent? Parents of teens with ASD face many problems that other parents do not. Time is running out for teaching their adolescent how to become an independent adult. As one mother put it, "There's so little time, yet so much left to do."

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Two traits often found in kids with High-Functioning Autism are “mind-blindness” (i.e., the inability to predict the beliefs and intentions of others) and “alexithymia” (i.e., the inability to identify and interpret emotional signals in others). These two traits reduce the youngster’s ability to empathize with peers. As a result, he or she may be perceived by adults and other children as selfish, insensitive and uncaring.

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Become an expert in helping your child cope with his or her “out-of-control” emotions, inability to make and keep friends, stress, anger, thinking errors, and resistance to change.

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A child with High-Functioning Autism (HFA) can have difficulty in school because, since he fits in so well, many adults may miss the fact that he has a diagnosis. When these children display symptoms of their disorder, they may be seen as defiant or disruptive.

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Why You Should Buy CBD Pastes and Concentrates

 CBD pastes and concentrates are considered to be the strongest CBD oil products you can find on the market. These products are usually hemp oil, meaning they have a higher concentration of CBD than most of the other ingredients.

You can usually find CBD pastes and concentrate packed in a tube and they can give value for your money. This page discusses why you should buy CBD pastes and concentrates.

The benefits of CBD pastes and concentrates:
It’s easy to use CBD pastes and concentrates because you just need to squeeze a small portion which is about a grain-of-rice size and place it onto your tongue to swish for almost 90 seconds before swallowing.

Once you do this, the CBD gets absorbed sublingually before another absorption takes place in the stomach. You can feel its effects within ten to fifteen minutes and these effects can last about six to twelve hours, though it depends on its strength.

CBD pastes and concentrates work pretty fast and they are long-lasting. So if you decide to have a strong CBD product that has these properties, you should try CBD paste and concentrates. The good news is that they only take at least ten to 15 minutes for you to feel their effects, but can last up to twelve hours.

As mentioned earlier CBD paste and concentrates have a higher concentration, so you may not find any other CBD product that can be stronger than them. These products are specifically designed to offer a strong serving size of CBD, simply and quickly.

No doubt, CBD paste and concentrates offer a great value for your money. They have up to ten times more cannabidiol than the normal CBD product. Also, a three-gram tube can withstand a couple of months with regular use.

Remember that pastes and concentrates may have a strong flavor. They are pure and not flavored, meaning they don’t come with added flavors. Hence, it can be hard for you to use them if you don’t like an earthly flavor.

If you’re a beginner when it comes to using CBD, it may be a good idea to find CBD oil for sale with lower concentration until you’re comfortable with the serving size. You see, concentrates can offer a very high amount of CBD regardless of whether it’s the smallest serving size.

Where you can buy CBD pastes and concentrates:
You should choose CBD pastes and concentrates if you desire to have a strong CBD product that can last for a long time. This product is extremely popular, offers great value, and easy to use. Many only CBD oil stores both online and land-based sell a wide variety of CBD pastes and concentrates. These products are of the highest quality and have purity, strength suitable for those looking for a long-lasting effect.

For example, you can choose the best CBD oil for pain which is strong and needs just a grain of rice to be taken either once or twice a day to have the desired effects. With that serving size, you can rest assured that the three-gram tube can last you a couple of months with daily use.

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Dealing with Difficult Behavior in Children and Teens on the Autism Spectrum

 

Resources for parents of children and teens with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's:
 

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Tips for Educators and Parents to Teach Children with ASD

Though every child has a unique learning ability and needs, children with ASD or Autism Spectrum Disorder need extra support and guidance to thrive. Both teachers and parents must understand the specific needs of your child with autism. Understanding the requirements is the primary basis for helping your children learn better and quicker.
 
Tips to help your child with ASD learn:
 
Establish a structured learning environment
 
A child who has autism will feel comfortable only in an environment where they have routine involving minimal deviations from their schedule and clear structures, says Janice, an educator who offers online finance assignment help. Thus, the educator needs to ensure that the lesson plans and the learning environment are structured so that it is easier for both the teachers and the students to know what needs to be done, how much is to be done, and for how long.

Further, both the child and the teacher should know about the subsequent flow of events after completing the task at hand.
 
Make communication seamless
 
Educators use several different types of communication techniques to educate children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. A few learning centres employ a sign language for autistic children who lack adequate speech skills. Another useful technique that can help is facilitated communication. It ensures quick learning.

As part of this technique, you will hold the child’s arm or hand and persuade them to push the apt key on any portable communication device.   
 
Employ visual aids
 
For young children, especially children with ASD, visuals are a vital medium of learning, says Chloe, an educator with TAE. The tutors can incorporate photographs, drawings, language build cards, picture cards, stickers, if or then cards, among other things, into day-to-day activities.

You can also use some videos and online tutorials for delivery information visually. Visual learning makes it easier for the child to absorb the information.   
 
Know about the sensory issues
 
Generally speaking, children with ASD are either under-sensitive or over-sensitive to the sensory stimuli, which generally we do not even notice. They can be bothered with smells of perfumes, buzzing of electrical appliances, unusual lights, and echoes from the environment. It can lead to an extreme reaction from them.

Thus, you need to be aware of their potential triggers and keep them at bay. You can offer them some sensory tools that can help them lower their stress levels and quickly process the information communicated to them.  
 
Encourage social engagements

As a parent or a teacher, you need to help your child with ASD develop the necessary skills and knowledge that are mandatory for social interaction, says Amy, who offers the best product management courses online and has a 5-year old with ASD. We agree with Amy’s point, but it is also crucial to know that a child who has autism usually might not seem interested in interacting with teachers, parents, and peers.

However, it is still quintessential to impart social skills to them. Teachers can use the classrooms as the perfect setting for this. Every childhood educator of a child with ASD should create an environment that encourages children to work on their communication skills.  
 
Activities have to be structured too
 
Maintaining a structure within different activities is also an effective way to facilitate learning in children with ASD. You can use visuals to provide the requisite information related to the activity or the task. For instance, use a timer to tell the child how long a particular task will last. In the activities, do not forget to include peer interactions, which can help them put their social skills to use.  
 
Direct language only
 
If you are dealing with a young ASD student, he may not pick up a figurative language or abstract concepts, and they might even take most of your said thing literally. Unfortunately, even the non- verbal cues, like facial expressions or hand gestures, might not be easy to comprehend for them.

For educators who are used to teaching children without autism, it might take a while for you to get the right wording for what you wish to say, says Stanley, who offers online do my economics homework service and works with an NGO to educate ASD students. However, at all times, you need to be as direct in your speed as possible.
 
Spare some extra time
 
Even after using direct language, there will be times when a child does not react or respond immediately. Thus, it would help if you gave the child some more time to absorb what you are communicating and then process it in their head.

So, if you are teaching a child with autism, patience is the key. Please bear in mind; at any time, if you rephrase the instructions, questions, or statements or rush through your speech, you are only slowing them down further because as they begin re-processing.
 
Bottom line
 
If you need guidance, you should consult a therapist or a doctor and even research new techniques to teach a child with autism. It is best to try new methods. It will help you judge what bets work with the child.

Lastly, do not lose patience. It only needs some effort and practice, and you will find a way that works with them the best.

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10 Healthy Supplements to Consider for Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or simply autism is a condition that affects the way a person’s brain functions. It also impacts the social interaction, language, and basic communication of the affected person. Children with autism may involve repetitive behaviors. 


Although there is no curable remedy for autism, the treatment is based on the individual that may involve helping the patient through their symptoms with education, self-help, skill development and socialization. Children and adults who are affected with autism may develop limited food intake or choices. Since their bodies may break down fat differently it is possible that their bodies may lack certain nutrients. This is related to selective eating, decreased gut absorption, or depletion of nutrients from chronic stress. Hence, diet changes and supplementation have proved to be very helpful methods of aiding children with autism. With enhanced food choices, you can help your autistic child better manage the daily struggles.

Following are the ten broad dietary supplements that you can consider for helping autistic people:

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 fatty acids are essential nutrients for the development of the brain and eyes in the body. Many children with autism also suffer from Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) where the brain has trouble receiving and responding to the signals that are sent by the senses. Omega 3s have been found to be in lower levels among people with autism and therefore it becomes an important supplement to include in your child’s diet. Foods that are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids are fish oil, plant oil and nuts and seeds. Omega 3s also help fight joint pain and inflammation. Here’s an honest review on Omega XL which is a dietary supplement containing benefits of 30 different fatty acids. However, more research is needed into how Omega 3s can really help autistic individuals therefore its best to take your doctor’s advice on it.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps assist the brain in creating new connections and bettering already prevailing connections. It is said to affect the neurotransmitters in the brain. Studies have shown that children with autism develop vitamin D deficiency. A daily dose of its supplement can help reduce the ASD symptoms affecting the child’s social interaction, communication and engaging in repetitive behaviors. Salmon, mackerel, tuna, fortified foods, egg yolks, milk and mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D.

Oxytocin

The chemical oxytocin is created naturally in the brain and has an effect in forming social interaction and bonding in an individual. When it comes to ASD symptoms, some children are found to have reduced oxytocin levels in their bodies and some do not. Hence, more clinical research is needed on how oxytocin can benefit kids with autism.

Melatonin

Melatonin helps regulate the sleep cycle in the body. This hormone helps in treating insomnia and those who are affected with sleeping disorders. It has been found that reduced levels of melatonin is correlated to severe ASD symptoms among kids. Effective melatonin supplementation has positive impact on autistic individuals with better sleep cycles and daytime behavior. Ask your doctor for the right dosage before starting its medicinal course. Nuts, seeds, grains like rice and barley, asparagus, tomato, olive, pomegranate, grapes and broccoli are foods that help increase levels of melatonin in the system.

Sulforaphane

Clinical trials have shown that supplements having sulforaphane (SF) have helped reduce the behavioral symptoms of people with ASD. Sulforaphane is found in broccoli sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale and mustard greens. Taking sulforaphane as a supplement can have an improved effect on social interaction, communication, and a reduction in aggressive behavior.

Methyl B 12

Methyl B12 comes from the vitamin family that plays an important role in the functioning of the body’s nervous system and it intermingles with folic acid to produce cells in the body. Children with reduced developmental capacity have an impairment in processing the body’s methyl B 12. Early lab research suggests that kids with autism showed improvement in few metabolic and cellular processes when given methyl B 12 supplements.


Vitamin C

Children with autism can find it hard to fight free radicals in the body, which can cause an imbalance in their system. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that helps protect the body from free radicals. A study with a small group showed that children with ASD symptoms showed reduction in typical autistic activities like flapping hands, pacing and rocking. However, more research is needed in this domain to find clinical evidence of benefits of vitamin C supplementation for autism. Red and green peppers, spinach, cabbage, turnip, leafy greens, winter squash, citrus fruits and tomatoes are rich sources of vitamin C.

Vitamin B-6 and Magnesium

Another great multivitamin is B-6 that has loads of health benefits. Magnesium ensures proper functioning of the brain and muscle cells and is found in many foods like whole grains, nuts and seeds and leafy greens. Vitamin B6 and magnesium are typically used together as supplements, as B6 can sometimes cause an upset stomach, and magnesium appears to counter that. Some studies have shown that children with autism may have a magnesium deficiency. Research on supplementing B-6 and magnesium is still in an early stage when it comes to ASD.

Calcium

Calcium helps you develop strong teeth and bones. Low calcium intake may lead to a high rate of bone fractures seen in children with autism. Rickets and eye-poking is often associated with calcium deficiency. Not only is calcium found in dairy products but in green leafy vegetables as well. Many calcium supplements come in the form of chewable pills, liquid and powders. It is advisable to take your doctor’s opinion for catering to autistic patients.

Zinc

Zinc plays a vital role in enzyme function, nucleic acid metabolism, growth, and cellular repair. It is a major factor in the etiology of behavioral and mood disturbances in humans and its deficiency is high in children diagnosed with ASD. Meat foods, nuts and seeds, seafood and legumes are rich in zinc.

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Articles in Alphabetical Order: 2019


Articles in Alphabetical Order: 2019

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