In an unexpected turn of events, a young autistic child has spoken his first words after taking a low-cost drug typically used for cancer patients.

Mason Connor, a 5-year-old from Arizona, was diagnosed with autism when he was 2.5 years old after his mother noticed he hadn’t begun speaking.

After years of unsuccessful therapies and treatments, Mason’s parents decided to explore a different route and met with a doctor who was investigating experimental treatments for autism.

The Start of a New Hope

Dr. Richard Frye, a pediatric neurologist at Rossignol Medical Center in Arizona, suggested that Mason try a drug called Leucovorin, which is a generic medication derived from folic acid.

This drug, which costs just $2.50 for a tablet, is typically prescribed to cancer patients to protect their red blood cells during chemotherapy.

However, research indicates that some children with autism may not receive enough folate in their brain due to a blockage, which can result in communication difficulties.

Within three days of taking the medication, Mason, who was three years old at the time, said his first words, marking a significant breakthrough in his development.

The Science Behind Leucovorin

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis and repair.

The naturally occurring form of folate is found in foods like leafy vegetables, peas, lentils, beans, eggs, yeast, and liver.

Leucovorin is a form of folate that is used to bypass the blockage some children with autism experience, potentially helping their brain to receive the necessary folate.

Dr. Frye believes that Leucovorin could have a substantial impact on many children with autism.

According to the latest CDC data, one in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism, amounting to nearly 2 million children.

Most are diagnosed by age five, although some may be tested as young as two years old.

The Role of Folate Receptor Autoantibodies

Research has found that a significant number of children with autism (about seven in 10) have folate receptor autoantibodies in their system.

These autoantibodies target healthy parts of the body and prevent folate from reaching the brain, which may lead to language delays.

In one of Dr. Frye’s studies, 44 autistic children with these autoantibodies were given a daily dose of 50 milligrams of Leucovorin for four months.

The results showed improvements across multiple areas, including language, behavior, mood, hyperactivity, attention, and aggression.

Another study from Dr. Frye’s team in 2018 found that children with autism and language delays also experienced significant improvements after receiving Leucovorin, including reductions in irritability, hyperactivity, and lethargy.

Leucovorin’s Potential and Challenges

Leucovorin is available in various forms, including tablets, injections, and infusions.

Dr. Frye emphasized that while the science behind the drug’s effectiveness is sound, the next step is securing more funding to push for FDA approval.

Currently, Leucovorin is only FDA-approved for use in cancer patients and those with specific types of anemia.

However, doctors can prescribe it off-label for autism, though it’s unclear how widely this practice is followed.

The relatively low cost of the drug has led to a lack of incentive for large-scale studies.

Dr. Frye expressed concern that the inexpensive nature of the drug might hinder more research and its potential to be recognized as a viable treatment for autism.

Folic Acid’s Impact During Pregnancy

Earlier studies have suggested that pregnant women who take folic acid supplements may reduce their child’s risk of autism by up to 40%.

This further emphasizes the importance of folate in early development and its potential link to autism prevention.

Mason’s Progress and Future

Mason, now five years old, continues to take Leucovorin.

His parents are hopeful about his future, especially as they prepare to enroll him in a traditional kindergarten this fall.

What was once a concerning situation for Mason’s family, with their son being nonverbal, is now showing signs of improvement, thanks to this groundbreaking approach.

Mason’s story represents a new wave of possibilities for children with autism, with Leucovorin emerging as a potential treatment that could change lives for many others in similar situations.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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