Elliott is Nonverbal 👦 First Dose of Leucovorin

Leucovorin in Autistic Children: Mechanism and UseLeucovorin (folinic acid), an active form of folate, is used off-label and recently FDA-supported for treating cerebral folate deficiency (CFD) in some children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Up to 75% of autistic children may have folate receptor alpha autoantibodies (FRAA), which block folic acid from crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB), causing low brain folate levels that impair neurotransmitter synthesis (e.g., serotonin, dopamine), myelination, and synaptic function—contributing to speech delays, irritability, and social deficits.

How it Works: Unlike standard folic acid, leucovorin bypasses FRAA-blocked receptors by entering via the reduced folate carrier (RFC) transporter, rapidly restoring cerebral folate.