Introduction

In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards exploring alternative methods that go beyond traditional therapies. One such avenue garnering attention is microdosing—a practice that involves taking minimal doses of certain natural substances. This article delves into the potential of substances like Lion’s Mane, Psilocybin, Cordyceps, and Turkey Tail, along with vitamins B12 and Niacin B3, in the context of ASD treatment.

We’ll explore the neurological underpinnings of ASD, how microdosing might play a role in neurological repair, and the combined effects of these natural substances. We’ll also look at the research evidence and case studies supporting their use and discuss the necessary considerations and cautions.

Understanding ASD on a Neurological Level

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is not just a behavioral condition; it’s fundamentally rooted in the brain’s structure and chemistry. At its core, ASD is characterized by differences in neurological and biochemical functioning. These differences manifest in various ways, impacting communication, behavior, and social interactions.

Neurologically, ASD involves variations in brain connectivity. Studies have shown that individuals with ASD often have an atypical neural connectivity pattern. This means that the way neurons (nerve cells) communicate within the brain differs from typical patterns. In some areas of the brain, there might be over-connectivity, leading to heightened responses to stimuli. In other areas, under-connectivity can result in challenges with complex tasks that require higher-order thinking and integration of information.

Biochemically, ASD is associated with imbalances in neurotransmitters, the chemicals that neurons use to communicate. For instance, alterations in serotonin levels are frequently observed in individuals with ASD. Serotonin plays a crucial role in mood regulation, social behavior, and cognition. Dysregulation in this neurotransmitter can significantly impact the behavioral and emotional aspects of ASD.

Furthermore, research suggests that individuals with ASD may experience differences in brain development. During critical periods of brain growth, particularly in early childhood, the brains of individuals with ASD may develop in unique ways, affecting the formation of neural networks. This development can influence cognitive functions, sensory processing, and emotional regulation.

The Role of Microdosing in Neurological Repair

Microdosing, the practice of consuming very small, sub-hallucinogenic doses of certain substances, is emerging as a frontier in neurological repair, particularly in the context of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This approach is not about achieving a psychedelic experience but rather harnessing the subtle biochemical impacts these compounds can have on the brain.

Lion’s Mane:

Known for its nerve growth factor (NGF) enhancing properties, Lion’s Mane mushroom is believed to stimulate the growth and repair of neurons. NGF is crucial for the maintenance and survival of nerve cells, and an increase in NGF can potentially lead to improved cognitive functions and neurogenesis (growth of new neurons).

Psilocybin:

Found in certain mushrooms, Psilocybin has shown promise in facilitating neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This can be particularly beneficial in ASD, where neural connectivity patterns are often atypical.

Cordyceps:

This fungus is known for its potential in increasing ATP production, the energy currency of the cell. Enhanced ATP levels can lead to better neuronal health and function, possibly aiding in cognitive processes and overall brain health.

Turkey Tail:

Rich in antioxidants and polysaccharides, Turkey Tail mushrooms may support immune health and combat oxidative stress in neurons. Oxidative stress is implicated in various neurological conditions and managing it can be vital for neuronal integrity.

Vitamin B12:

Crucial for nerve health and the maintenance of the myelin sheath that protects nerve fibers, B12 can play a significant role in neurological functioning. Deficiencies in B12 have been linked to neurological and cognitive impairments.

Niacin B3:

Important for brain metabolism and DNA repair, Niacin B3 also plays a role in neuron health. Its role in producing serotonin and other neurotransmitters can impact mood and cognitive functions, areas often affected in ASD.

The premise of microdosing these substances lies in their potential to affect neurite length and neuron growth, areas crucial for improving the neurological anomalies associated with ASD. By potentially enhancing neuroplasticity and promoting neuron health, microdosing could offer a novel approach to improving some of the neurological aspects of ASD.

Synergistic Effects of Microdosing Components

The concept of synergy, where the combined effect of substances is greater than the sum of their individual effects, plays a crucial role in the realm of microdosing for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). When substances like Lion’s Mane, Psilocybin, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, and vitamins B12 and Niacin B3 are used together in microdoses, their individual neurological benefits may be amplified, offering a multifaceted approach to enhancing brain function and neuroplasticity.

Enhanced Neuroplasticity:

The combination of Psilocybin and Lion’s Mane, for instance, is thought to be particularly potent. Psilocybin’s role in promoting neuroplasticity may be complemented by Lion’s Mane’s ability to support neuron growth and repair. This combination could potentially encourage the brain to form new neural pathways, improving areas of communication, social behavior, and cognitive flexibility that are often challenging in ASD.

Energy and Neuron Health:

Cordyceps, with its potential to increase ATP production, alongside Niacin B3’s role in brain metabolism, can offer a boost in overall brain energy and functioning. This increased energy might help the brain process information more efficiently, a benefit for individuals with ASD who may experience information processing differences.

Neuroprotective Effects:

The antioxidant properties of Turkey Tail, combined with the myelin sheath support from Vitamin B12, could provide a neuroprotective effect. Protecting neurons from oxidative stress and maintaining the integrity of nerve fibers can be crucial for maintaining cognitive functions and preventing neurodegeneration.

Balanced Neurotransmitter Levels:

The role of Niacin B3 in serotonin production, coupled with the potential mood-regulating effects of Psilocybin, could lead to more balanced neurotransmitter levels. This balance is essential in managing the emotional and behavioral aspects of ASD.

By strategically combining these substances, the goal is to target multiple facets of neurological functioning simultaneously. This multi-pronged approach could lead to improvements in neuroplasticity, cognitive functions, and overall brain health, which are essential in addressing the complexities of ASD.

It’s important to emphasize that while these synergistic effects are promising, much of the evidence is still emerging. The field of microdosing for neurological conditions like ASD is relatively new, and further research is essential to fully understand the efficacy and safety of these combinations.

Case Studies and Research Evidence

The exploration of microdosing, particularly the combination known as the “Stamets Stack” named after mycologist Paul Stamets, has gathered momentum in recent research. A study published in Scientific Reports in 2022 investigated the effects of microdosing psilocybin mushrooms, Lion’s Mane, and niacin (vitamin B3) in 953 microdosers and 180 non-microdosers over approximately 30 days. The study found small- to medium-sized improvements in mood and mental health among the microdosers, with the 55+ age group showing notable improvements in psychomotor performance.

The researchers emphasized the novelty of these findings, acknowledging the need for further research to confirm and clarify the effects of this combination. Specifically, they pointed to the potential of psilocybin microdosing in improving depression and anxiety, highlighting the importance of more research to establish the nature of the relationship between microdosing, mood, and mental health. The study, while not addressing critiques of microdosing such as the placebo effect, provided promising evidence that low-dose psilocybin is overall beneficial and relatively safe.

Microdosing with 'Fly agaric' (Amanita muscaria) - ASD parents feedback

There is a society of parents who use microdosing to treat certain symtomps with their ASD children.

In the realm of alternative treatments, especially those that involve substances tightly regulated or controlled in many countries, a veil of anonymity often shrouds the experiences and testimonials of individuals who explore these options. The feedback provided by parents using microdosing as a therapeutic approach for their children's conditions is sourced from highly private and secure groups. These parents have opted to share their personal stories and observations within a community that understands and respects the sensitivity and legal implications of discussing magic mushrooms, a substance that remains under strict control. Their identities and specific details have been anonymized to protect their privacy, as this is not information they wish to broadcast openly due to the current legal landscape surrounding such substances.

Here are real live examples of feedback they shared


the child is 9 years old, diagnosed with autism. We've tried many things, but microdosing is breaking records!!! I've been administering it since June this year. I described the changes in the chat... But in short:
Almost immediately, within a few days, mood and behavior improved. He became more attentive to the surrounding world, started to listen and watch more closely. He began to show interest in objects and educational games, can take them and play on his own... He became more focused during activities. Tantrums are now rare. There is more independence in self-care. Waits as long as necessary for us. We go through all procedures calmly.
I give it without a break, 1 capsule + spiny gourd, in the morning on an empty stomach.


Good afternoon, my child has autism. We have been taking it since the summer. As for changes, only behavior has changed about 20 percent out of 100. He stopped running away on the street. More grounded, I would say. But we can't do without tantrums. And he falls on the street, screams, covers his ears. But now it's still easier. With microdosing. You can engage him with something else and he gets distracted. Nothing has changed in his diet, still selective, dry stuff. Constipation and so on, fear of going to the potty. Doesn't speak. (Only "mom", "dad", "let's go", "yes") but doesn't use words appropriately. Doesn't like to study, lacks concentration too. The psychiatrist has already prescribed Strattera, but I don't want to give it. I will try giving two capsules of microdosing, but now we drink one a day.


Zakhar is one year and eight months old. There was a regression in everything. On 05.11.2023 we confirmed the diagnosis of ASD. On 07.11.2023, we switched to a gluten-free and lactose-free diet. We noticed improvements within 24 hours. On 15.11.2023, we administered a dose of fly agaric at 0.5 of one-tenth of a gram + lion's mane.
As of today, we see improvements in all areas :))))))).
Today Zakhar is taking:
Fly agaric - 0.2, lions mane - 0.4, cordyceps - 0.4 in the morning.
And the same amount in the evening.


We have been taking it for about two weeks now. The child has become more inquisitive, everywhere he looks, touches everything (that's interesting). He started to understand things better, started to repeat my requests. The most important thing that happened is that he began to walk on his own. We almost got into a fight over this a half year ago, but now he just showed me once and he started walking!!! We have been fully off diapers for a week now, even at night. He goes to the toilet by himself and in the morning he runs to achieve it. This is a huge breakthrough for us and in general, he has become more conscious I guess... I don't know how else to explain it. He started doing better in his developmental classes, doing everything. We'll see how it goes.


From adult autist:

It turned out to be a lifebuoy, like a bone for a dog or a guide for the blind.

  1. It became "not painful" to be in a crowd, as if I was on the shore and could only watch the flow of the river. Now I have the opportunity to swim calmly and not scream and cry.
  2. Gained confidence that something or someone is healthy. It was not clear what was happening, and I was not happy about it.
  3. The headaches disappeared.
  4. It became easier to breathe, to solve common tasks with colleagues.
  5. The self-torturing thoughts that could lead to suicide have disappeared. I became stronger.
  6. Stopped biting my nails, as if my nerve was frozen, I wanted to run away from relatives, from tribesmen, from everyone, hide, disappear.
  7. The numbness and tingling disappeared. Such an effect, more compact and less manic, I reached only on antidepressants, which I took for one month. The only side effect was nausea (indigestibility of food), so after a course of taking it, I did not continue. The mushrooms - no side effects.

And the main thing, I got the opportunity to be in a collective. It's funny. No, I didn't become them, but still like a bone. However, I couldn't even grow before. And now I have not been taking for a month (took for 2 months), and the feeling, as if I was being sucked into my world again, I managed to get away from this world. An invisible wall starts to rise again.


At first, since last week, I started giving my child with ASD 0.3 g of Amanita muscaria in the morning and before bed. In the morning, I also give him 1.5 g of lion main. The result appeared within a week! My son has started to laugh, which he had not done before! His vocabulary has doubled at least! He remembers new expressions from the second time! A thinking process has emerged. It is evident that he now thinks before he speaks. Just a month ago, my son couldn’t understand anything at all, and that's not always the case for me. The child is almost 6 years old. There is no information on the internet about microdosing mushrooms for children, and there are no reviews either. I started giving it because I felt the effect on myself. Thanks to your channel for the push


Well, of course, there are improvements. We periodically notice some changes in the child. I will tell you that after we started taking fly agaric, my son learned to go to the grocery store, although before that it was a war with the city and not to my benefit  and now my son himself asked to go down to the store (I even gave him a shopping list) and he did it so that he could already run without me and knows what to do (I am glad to say that, but I won't say anything))) soon we will plan a trip by plane, usually he is scared, cries, when in an unknown place. now we'll see how it will be. I hope everything will go smoothly


I give microdosing to my child with autism for 4 months now. And we have positive dynamics. Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) has literally opened up a world for us. The child was in a 'talent spectrum' program, but off camera. The application of microdosing of fly agaric and speech therapy gave quick and intensive results. The child could not speak, while this is not critical for my young pilot, who was silent during the process. He also stopped stimming, scattered eating habits, we went into the water (before he could not even think about it, now we are swimming in the sea, MY HEAD). The child with interest is reading a letter in the alphabet, mastering memory is phenomenal for his age. He is mastering a foreign language, started to say separate words and phrases in English. Became very soothing and concentrated, calm. The stool normalized. We even organized a place where he can cook for us. Thanks to you for opening up the mushroom microdosing for me and my child


I've become calmer, more balanced. I got out of toxic relationships, and practically no thoughts of suicide occur to me now. I used to gather nettles regularly. I have a younger daughter with ASD. While living with her mother, spending time with the child has become easier, more interesting. We are not communicating at the moment, but we will see each other in the future


There is an effect from the mushrooms. We noticed this, as did the educators who work with my son daily. They don't understand why my son has become so concentrated during lessons, more curious, and with less panic and screaming.... The mushrooms are coping


Good morning to all chat participants. We've been taking fly agaric for a week. Me and my son. My son has autism. Yesterday we went to a clinic for a child consultation, sat with a psychologist for about 50 minutes and our son was with us the whole time, without tantrums and screams! He became much calmer and I noticed that he showed interest and attentiveness. He started watching how dad drives in the car, fastens the seat belt, turns on the right turn signal, chooses the speed. He himself began to turn on the necessary cartoon, selects the folder with buttons on the way and opens what is interesting. We used to study for a long time, but he could not remember, yesterday everything worked out from the first time!!! We will continue watching....."
It seems to be a personal account of the effects of using fly agaric as a treatment.


Hello everyone! Sharing my observations... My son recently had a small tantrum, we couldn't calm him down, so I gave him 1 capsule of 'fly agaric' and in 15 minutes everything was back to normal! Today the tantrum repeated, he hadn't taken the capsules for a week, he was sick... I gave him the capsule again and peace returned exactly after 15 minutes!!! It really works! Helps wonderfully in tough situations!


I've been microdosing for the second month now. It's my first time with lion's mane, before this I tried pure, and the effect was different.

My observations:
I have Multiple Sclerosis, so even on protocols, I always felt my head. Now the fog and migraines are gone, I think clearly, I have more energy and attention, I'm a dopamine person, but before I used to scatter a lot and then needed time to recover, now everything is smooth. I also have numerous ideas, projects, an active life, but without stress and swings. Everything is precise and attentive.
My memory, sleep, and mood have improved.
I don't know if this is a review or not, but I recommend trying it on yourself.


Overall, I want to note that my son has simply started to look into my eyes. Earlier, it was just impossible to keep his gaze


I stopped suffering from insomnia, the child had no problems giving blood from a vein today!


Hello! I added lion's mane. The sensations are wonderful! I became much calmer, the tearfulness is gone (I was crying for no reason and had tears), the swelling has left, there are no nervous breakdowns, at work, I became more collected.

I started giving my son fly agaric, initially 1 capsule a day, now already 2 doses. He calms down half an hour after taking it.

Half an hour after taking it, he calms down, stops wandering around the house, stops talking to himself.

Microdosing stack

The practice of microdosing, specifically stacking, has been gaining attention in recent years. Stacking refers to combining microdoses of psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin, with other natural supplements and vitamins. The most popular method is the "Stamets Stack", which involves adding Lion's Mane mushroom and Niacin (Vitamin B3) to psilocybin. This combination is believed to stimulate the production of new brain cells (neurogenesis) and optimize the effects of microdosing.

Paul Stamets is an American author, entrepreneur and mycologist specializing in psychedelics, and the medicinal uses of compounds found in mushrooms. Rather than considering old-growth forests, particularly in the northwestern U.S., as a commodity for logging, he says their fungal genome has incalculable value.Stamets was born in Ohio and began his career as a logger before he became interested in mycology. His hypothesis is that Psilocybin is acting as a “cellular bridge” between two worlds. By comparing the evolutionary trajectory of humans and different species of mushrooms, Stamets believes that new interconnections within the microbiome can lead to several unique evolutionary benefits. It is his life’s mission to preserve as many species of mushrooms as possible and to protect pristine forests and woodlands. Many mushrooms, including the Wigweed a.k.a. Lion’s Mane, exhibit medicinal properties which can be used naturally in the field of mental health. Stamets suspects that his “stacking protocol” has the potential to realise the next quantum leap in human consciousness.

Nerve Growth Factors (NGFs)

Nerve Growth Factors (NGFs) are like special proteins that help brain cells (neurons) grow, stay healthy, and survive. They're part of a bigger family called neurotrophins. Here's how they work:

Receptor Activation: Think of NGFs as keys that unlock certain parts of brain cells. They attach to specific areas on the cell surface called Trk receptors, particularly one type called TrkA. When NGFs attach to these receptors, it's like turning a key in a lock, which activates the receptor and gets it ready to send important signals inside the cell.

Intracellular Signaling: Once those receptors are turned on, they start a chain reaction inside the cell, passing messages from one molecule to another. This chain reaction carries the "grow and stay healthy" message from the outside to the center of the cell (the nucleus).

Gene Expression: When the message reaches the nucleus, it tells the cell to turn on certain genes. These genes are like instructions for building the parts that the cell needs to grow and function well.

Neurite Outgrowth: NGFs help the brain cell to grow long fibers called neurites, which are like the branches of a tree. These branches reach out to connect with other brain cells, which is super important for how the brain works, especially when it's repairing itself after damage.

Synaptic Plasticity and Strength: NGFs make the connections between brain cells stronger or weaker, depending on how much they're being used. This is a big deal for learning new things and remembering them.


Here's a breakdown of the data presented:

HE Myc 12% OHF 98d EtOAc 62.5 µg/ml: The first blue bar represents the effect of Lion's Mane mycelium extract on neurite length, showing a 114.80% increase compared to the control.

psi-z 0.3 µg/ml: The second orange bar represents the effect of a Psilocybin analog on neurite length, indicating a 107.70% increase relative to the control.

He Myc + psi-z Theoretical Additive Effect: The third bar is split into blue and orange, suggesting the predicted additive effect if Lion's Mane and Psilocybin were to work together without synergy. It shows an increase of 122.50% in neurite length, which is roughly the sum of their individual effects.

He Myc + psi-z Stack: The fourth green bar represents the actual observed effect when Lion's Mane and Psilocybin are combined, showing a 136.27% increase in neurite length. This indicates a synergistic effect, where the combination of the two results in greater neurite growth than expected from their additive effects.

Lion's Mane

Lion's Mane mushrooms contain compounds —hericenones and erinacines that help make more NGFs in the brain:

Crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier: These mushroom compounds can get through a tough barrier that usually stops things from getting into the brain. This means they can directly affect the brain cells.

Stimulating NGF Synthesis: Once they're in the brain, these compounds encourage the brain to make more NGFs. We're not exactly sure how, but it seems like they might be giving the cells better instructions for making NGFs or helping the cells to release more NGFs.

Promoting Neuronal Health: More NGFs mean healthier brain cells. They grow better and connect more, which might help with thinking and could be really important for diseases like Alzheimer's, where these growth factors are usually lacking.

Researchers are still figuring out exactly how Lion's Mane helps to make more NGFs and boost brain cell health, but this could be really exciting for developing new ways to treat brain-related conditions.

Stacking

 

Let's imagine you're a coach putting together a dream team for a relay race, where each runner has a specific role that contributes to the overall performance. In this analogy, the team members are the components of the Paul Stamets microdosing protocol, and the race is the complex task of boosting brain health and function.

Here's how each member contributes to the team:

  1. Lion's Mane (Hericenones and Erinacines): These are your long-distance runners. They set a steady pace for brain health by encouraging the production of NGFs, which are like the training regimen that helps the brain cells grow and stay healthy.

  2. Psilocybin Mushrooms: This is your sprinter who can quickly flip the serotonin receptors' switches, signaling the brain cells to grow and connect. It's like a burst of speed that propels the team forward, helping to form new neural pathways.

  3. Niacin (Vitamin B3): This team member is like the coach who ensures the runners are visible to the spectators (in this case, the body's receptors). Niacin helps deliver the benefits of the other two runners to the broader system by increasing blood flow, ensuring the growth signals reach far and wide across the brain.

  4. Vitamin B12: This is the nutritionist of the team, making sure all the runners have the energy they need to perform at their best. B12 is crucial for producing red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the brain, and for maintaining the health of neurons. It ensures the team is well-fueled and ready for the race.

  5. Cordyceps: Think of this as the endurance coach that boosts stamina. Cordyceps is known for increasing energy and oxygenation, which means it helps the brain cells sustain their activity over the long term, reducing fatigue during the race.

When Paul Stamets suggests microdosing with this team, he's proposing a protocol where each component plays a specific role at different stages of the race to enhance brain function. The synergy comes from how these components interact:

  • Niacin boosts circulation, making sure the benefits of Lion's Mane and psilocybin are delivered effectively.
  • B12 supports fundamental cellular processes that keep the brain cells energized.
  • Cordyceps provides an extra kick of energy and resilience, ensuring that the cells can sustain the growth and connectivity promoted by Lion's Mane and psilocybin.

So, instead of each runner just contributing their part independently, they're passing the baton to each other in such a way that each lap builds upon the last, creating a compounding effect that's greater than the sum of their parts. The idea is that by following this protocol, you're not just nudging your brain toward health—you're setting up a well-coordinated team where each player boosts the others' strengths, resulting in a more significant overall effect.

References

 

 

 

Single-Dose Psilocybin for a Treatment-Resistant Episode of Major Depression

Microdosing Protocols: The Stamets Stack

Should You Be Stacking Your Microdose with Other Supplements?

Adults who microdose psychedelics report health related motivations and lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to non-microdosers

Psilocybin mashrooms

Introduction

 

Psilocybin and other serotonergic psychedelics affect the 5H2TA receptors, which are found in large numbers in brain networks that are overactive in those with depression. One theory is that these drugs temporarily snap these links, which gives them a chance to reconnect in new ways in the following days and weeks. Another way of thinking about the depressive brain is that there's these rigid thought patterns that impact well-being and some scientists call this the depressed landscape with deep wells that make it difficult for patients to move in between these different thoughts and perspectives.

Depression

The depressed brain encourages rigid thought patterns that impact well-being. This can be viewed as a “landscape” with deep wells that make it difficult for patients to “move between” different thoughts and perspectives. 

Image by Richard Daws, Kings College London

Psilocybin

Psilocybin therapy “flattens” the brain’s landscape and “opens up” the rigidity of the depressed to allow new thoughts, insight, and perspectives to emerge. Image by Richard Daws, Kings College London Post-treatmentPost-treatment, a flatter landscape makes it easier for patients to experience healthier flexibility and diversity in their thought patterns. Image by Richard Daws, Kings College London

 

Psilocybin therapy is thought to flatten the brain's landscape and open up this rigidity of the depressed brain to allow new thoughts, insights, and perspectives to emerge. Post-treatment, a flatter landscape makes it easier for patients to experience healthier flexibility and diversity in their thought patterns.

Source Refernce

Doctor Mike Hansen: Magic Mashroom - Psilocybin for Depression

Psilocybin Rewires the Brain for People with Depression

Single-Dose Psilocybin for a Treatment-Resistant Episode of Major Depression