"Autistic individuals have definable abnormalities in certain biological mechanisms such as sulfation, methylation, and   immune system function. Many also exhibit inflammatory bowel disease", according to Dr. Jeff Bradstreet of the Good News Doctor Foundation and International Child Development Resource Center in  Melbourne, Florida, who specializes in the treatment of pediatric  neurodevelopmental disorders. "They often demonstrate low levels of the reduced forms of glutathione and methionine, elevated levels of the markers of oxidative stress, and elevated  levels of heavy metals. Compounding pharmacies can create medications to help restore the body's natural processes of methylation and sulfation, as well as the management of oxidative stress.Certain dosage forms such as  transdermals bypass the digestive tract, which in autistic patients is often dysfunctional.  Compounds can also be prepared to correct  specific deficiencies in methionine, cysteine or glutathione and are very valuable for highly allergic individuals who cannot  tolerate the dyes, fillers, or additives contained in commercially  manufactured  medications." *

Another treatment that has been found to be beneficial in treating autistic patients is supplementation with  methylcobalamin, the  methylated form of Vitamin B12.  In a study published in PubMed, targeted nutritional intervention with methylcobalamin and folinic acid produced significant improvement in transmethylation metabolites and glutathione redox status.**  Dr. James Neubrander, of the Autism Clinical Research Center of New Jersey, published an article on oxidative stress and impaired methylation in autistic children. He states "Most autistic children benefit from biomedical  treatments such as methyl-B12, dietary restrictions, supplementation, compounded antifungals, and transdermal forms of chelating agents."*

Autism is a life long neurobiologic disorder that can  profoundly affect quality of life. Pharmaceutical compounding plays an essential role in providing medications that are specifically  prepared for the individual patient's needs.

 *    International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding  Vol 9 No 6 Nov/Dec 2005

 **  Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Jan:89(1). Epub 2008 Dec.3