Leucovorin in Autism Treatment

At KY Integrative Autism & Family Care, we are committed to offering evidence-informed, integrative treatments that support the underlying biological needs of children with autism. One such option is Leucovorin —a prescription form of folinic acid that bypasses common metabolic blocks in folate pathways, particularly helpful in children with folate receptor autoantibodies, Cerebral Folate Deficiency, or mitochondrial dysfunction.

Leucovorin can help with improving communication, behavior, and cognitive function by enhancing folate availability in the central nervous system.

Why We Use Leucovorin

After reviewing compelling medical literature and clinical studies showing that Leucovorin may improve language, behavior, and social engagement in children with autism, we decided to take a closer look. Our team conducted an in-depth review of the research to determine whether this treatment could be used safely and effectively in our patient population.

In June 2025, we began prescribing Leucovorin to select patients—and we’re happy to report that we are already seeing positive improvements. This includes several nonverbal children who are now beginning to speak and interact more meaningfully with their families. While every child responds differently, these results have been incredibly encouraging.

We typically consider Leucovorin when:

  • A child shows signs of folate-related metabolic issues

  • There is suspected mitochondrial dysfunction

  • Lab testing supports the need for enhanced folate support (e.g., elevated folate levels with poor CNS absorption or positive folate receptor antibodies)

  • A child is plateauing in development despite consistent therapies

Important Considerations

Leucovorin is a prescription medication and should only be used under the guidance of a qualified provider. Most children tolerate it well, but some may experience side effects such as hyperactivity, irritability, or changes in sleep patterns, and rarely seizures. We carefully monitor each child's response and tailor the treatment to their individual needs.

If you're interested in whether Leucovorin—or any other biomedical support—may be appropriate for your child, please reach out. We're here to help you explore safe, research-informed options that support your child’s unique developmental journey.