The Use of N-acetylcysteine Supplementation to Decrease Irritability in Four Youths With Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience high levels of irritability, which adversely affects their functioning and behaviors. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant precursor to glutathione, has recently been studied for a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders. There is growing evidence to support its use to decrease irritability and self-injurious behaviors in youth with ASD.