A Call to the American Academy of Pediatrics: Provide Guidance on Leucovorin (Folinic Acid) for Children with Autism

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Families and clinicians urgently need clear guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on the safe and effective use of folinic acid (leucovorin) for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The Evidence
• Research shows folinic acid may improve speech, behavior, and quality of life for some children with ASD.
• Benefits are especially seen in children with Cerebral Folate Deficiency Syndrome (CFDS), a condition where folate levels in the brain are too low, often due to folate receptor antibodies.
• More than half of children with autism may test positive for these antibodies.
• Folinic acid is already FDA-approved, safe, and widely used in pediatrics — but there is no guidance on when to test or prescribe it for ASD.
The Problem
Because physicians lack clear recommendations, many families are left without medical support.
Our Request to the AAP
We call on the AAP to:
1. Convene experts to review the evidence.
2. Issue guidance on when testing and treatment are appropriate.
3. Educate pediatricians so families can make informed, supervised decisions.
Closing
This petition does not promote self-treatment, it promotes ensuring children with ASD and related folate conditions receive safe, equitable, and evidence-based care. Families deserve answers, and children deserve the best chance to thrive.
Sponsored by
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Leucovorin for Autism Group
East Brunswick, NJ

To: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
From: [Your Name]

​Families and clinicians urgently need clear guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on the safe and effective use of folinic acid (leucovorin) for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The Evidence
• Research shows folinic acid may improve speech, behavior, and quality of life for some children with ASD.
• Benefits are especially seen in children with Cerebral Folate Deficiency Syndrome (CFDS), a condition where folate levels in the brain are too low, often due to folate receptor antibodies.
• More than half of children with autism may test positive for these antibodies.
• Folinic acid is already FDA-approved, safe, and widely used in pediatrics — but there is no guidance on when to test or prescribe it for ASD.
The Problem
Because physicians lack clear recommendations, many families are left without medical support.
Our Request to the AAP
We call on the AAP to:
1. Convene experts to review the evidence.
2. Issue guidance on when testing and treatment are appropriate.
3. Educate pediatricians so families can make informed, supervised decisions.
Closing
This petition does not promote self-treatment, it promotes ensuring children with ASD and related folate conditions receive safe, equitable, and evidence-based care. Families deserve answers, and children deserve the best chance to thrive.