Leucovorin and Autism
A Pathway Toward Stronger
Speech and Cognitive Skills
Important Note About Leucovorin at Brain Treatment Center Plano
At Brain Treatment Center Plano, Leucovorin may be offered as an adjunct within our MeRT for Autism program. This program is designed around advanced, personalized magnetic therapy, with additions like Leucovorin included when testing shows that a patient may also benefit from it.
If you’d like more details about our MeRT for Autism approach, our team is available to help. For those here mainly to explore Leucovorin on its own, we’ve provided an explanation below about why standard folic acid supplements are not an adequate replacement for this particular form of folate in children on the autism spectrum. It’s important to note that we do not prescribe Leucovorin by itself. Since it is already FDA-approved, your child’s primary care physician can provide a prescription if that is the only therapy you’re pursuing.
Hope and Possibility for Families
Families exploring autism therapies often face a sea of choices. Some are well supported by science, while others are less clear. One option that is drawing more attention is Leucovorin (folinic acid), a prescription form of folate.
Research shows that many children with autism have difficulty moving folate, a nutrient critical for brain growth, into the central nervous system. Leucovorin may help bridge that gap by improving folate availability to the brain.
For some children on the spectrum, Leucovorin has been linked to improvements in language development and thinking skills—outcomes that once felt out of reach.
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New Patient Coordinator
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Why Folate Is So Important
Folate, or vitamin B9, is a vital nutrient for brain growth and overall function. It supports several key processes, including:
- Methylation – guiding gene activity, detoxification, and the production of neurotransmitters.
- Neurotransmitter regulation – helping with mood, focus, and learning.
- DNA repair and cell development – building and maintaining healthy brain cells.
In some children, however, genetic or immune-related differences interfere with how the body uses folate. Two common factors are:
- MTHFR gene variants – DNA changes (C677T and A1298C) that make it harder for the enzyme to fully activate folate.
- Folate receptor alpha autoantibodies (FRAAs) – immune system proteins that block folate from entering the brain.
When folate can’t reach the brain in the right form or amount, a condition called cerebral folate deficiency (CFD) may occur. Signs often overlap with features seen in autism, such as language delays, learning difficulties, and irritability.
What is Leucovorin?
Sometimes called folinic acid, Leucovorin is a form of folate that the body can use without relying on the MTHFR gene. Once processed, it becomes methylated folate, the active version already used in high-quality supplements like L-5-methyl folate.
This added folate support may help the brain functions involved in language, learning, and overall development.
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New Patient Coordinator
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The Differences Between Folate, Folic Acid, and Folinic Acid
| Form | Where It Comes From | How The Body Uses It | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Folate (Vitamin B9) | Naturally found in foods like leafy greens, beans, and citrus | Must be converted into the active form before use | General nutrition; most people without metabolic issues |
| Folic Acid (Synthetic B9) | Fortified foods and most over-the-counter supplements | Requires conversion by the MTHFR enzyme; can be inefficient if you have MTHFR variants | General population, but less effective for those with MTHFR mutations |
| Folinic Acid (Leucovorin) | Prescription or compounding pharmacy | Already active; bypasses MTHFR bottleneck and can cross into the brain even when folate transport is blocked | Individuals with MTHFR mutations, cerebral folate deficiency, or folate receptor autoantibodies |
Key takeaway: Folate comes naturally from foods, while folic acid is the man-made type added to fortified products. Folinic acid, or Leucovorin, works differently; it does not depend on the MTHFR gene and ultimately becomes methylated folate, the active nutrient already recommended in supplement form. This makes it valuable for children who can’t process folate efficiently.
Research on Leucovorin and Autism
Leucovorin has been the focus of growing interest because of the strong evidence supporting its use:
- 2012 – Molecular Psychiatry study: Researchers found that many children with autism tested positive for folate receptor alpha autoantibodies (FRAAs). These antibodies prevent folate from entering the brain, which can cause cerebral folate deficiency. Supplementation with high-dose folinic acid (Leucovorin) helped bypass this block.
- 2016 – Double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial: In this study, children with autism and language impairment who received Leucovorin showed significant improvements in verbal communication compared to those who took a placebo. The greatest improvements were seen in children who tested positive for FRAAs.
Together, these and other studies suggest that Leucovorin may benefit a subset of children by improving not only speech and language, but also behavior, cognition, and irritability.
At Brain Treatment Plano, we use MeRT® (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy) as a complementary brain-based treatment. When combined with approaches like ABA and targeted biomedical support such as Leucovorin, MeRT may help create more steady and meaningful progress.
EEG Insights: Folate and Brain Activity
An EEG (electroencephalogram) is a safe, noninvasive test that measures brainwave activity. At Brain Treatment Plano, we rely on EEGs not only to customize MeRT therapy but also to gain valuable insight into the biological factors connected to autism.
A recent study identified a distinctive 4.5-Hz brain rhythm in some children with autism. This pattern is strongly tied to MTHFR gene variants (C677T and A1298C), which also influence folate metabolism.
Key findings from this research include:
- About 80% of children with this 4.5-Hz rhythm carried one or both MTHFR variants.
- The study group included children ages 2 through 12 from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds, showing the marker may apply broadly.
- EEG proved to be a gentle, stress-free alternative to blood testing for uncovering folate-related differences—a major benefit for children with sensory challenges.
Because of this, EEG can be an important first step in identifying which children may respond well to targeted interventions like Leucovorin, while also informing the personalization of MeRT treatment.
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New Patient Coordinator
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A Personalized Approach
Because no two children are the same, the first step at Brain Treatment Plano is always a qEEG brain scan and consultation. This gentle process maps your child’s brain activity and highlights rhythms that may be consistent with MTHFR-related differences.
Based on these findings, our physician can decide whether additional folate support is needed. In many cases, that may mean L-methyl folate, and in some cases, Leucovorin may be considered.
The goal is to create a plan that’s personalized, safe, and rooted in your child’s individual biology.
How Leucovorin and MeRT Can Work Together
While Leucovorin can restore the brain’s access to folate, a nutrient many children with autism have trouble using effectively, nutrients alone don’t change how brain networks connect and communicate. That’s where MeRT comes in.
MeRT (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy) is a gentle, noninvasive approach guided by EEG results. Using light magnetic stimulation, it helps strengthen brain connectivity and bring networks into better balance.
In simple terms:
- Leucovorin supplies the brain with the vital fuel it needs.
- MeRT ensures the brain can use that fuel in the most effective way.
Together, they target both the biological foundation (through folate support) and the functional activity of the brain (through neuromodulation).
Is Leucovorin Safe?
Leucovorin has a strong safety record. Possible side effects—such as temporary hyperactivity, mood changes, or sleep disruption—are typically dose-related and fade with time. Most children adjust without difficulty.
Because every child processes nutrients differently, our physician carefully considers whether L-methyl folate or, in certain cases, Leucovorin may provide the right support.
Contact our
New Patient Coordinator
Or fill in the form at the bottom of the page for more information.
Our Medical Director Dr. Spencer O. Miller, Board-certified Neurologist, talks about Leucovorin and the science behind it.
Moving Forward with Care
Leucovorin isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but for children who respond, the difference can be remarkable. Paired with MeRT and a personalized care plan, it opens the door to progress in speech, learning, and emotional connection.
To find out if Leucovorin and MeRT may be right for your child, the process starts with a qEEG and consultation. During this visit, our physician will review your child’s medical history, interpret the EEG results, and determine if additional folate-related testing is warranted.
Every child’s journey is unique; what helps one child may not help another. At Brain Treatment Plano, our mission is to provide safe, science-backed care that supports your child’s growth and potential.
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