LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A Las Vegas valley family following a new treatment path for their non-verbal son with autism has been forced to start over after a supply shortage made the medication unavailable.
Shawn Wilson and his 7-year-old son Christopher were first introduced to FOX5 viewers at the beginning of the year. Christopher, who was diagnosed with autism as an infant, had tried various therapies before his father began pursuing leucovorin, a drug that gained attention after families reported it helped non-verbal children with autism develop speech.
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What the FDA approved
On Sept. 22, 2025, the FDA initiated approval of leucovorin calcium tablets for patients with cerebral folate deficiency, or CFD — a neurological condition that affects how folate is transported into the brain. Individuals with CFD have been observed to have developmental delays with autistic features, including challenges with social communication, sensory processing and repetitive behaviors, as well as seizures and problems with movement and coordination.
The FDA said it conducted a systematic analysis of literature published between 2009 and 2024, including published case reports and mechanistic data, and determined that leucovorin calcium can help individuals with CFD.
The FDA said it is working with GSK, the maker of Wellcovorin — the brand name for leucovorin calcium — on a relabeling effort to include safety and efficacy information for adults and pediatric patients with CFD. The agency noted that additional studies are still needed to assess the drug’s safety and efficacy in a broader population with neuropsychiatric symptoms, including autistic features.
Prescription delays, then no supply
Despite the FDA action, the Wilson family never got the opportunity to assess whether leucovorin was working. Shawn Wilson said repeated delays from the pharmacy left them without a consistent supply.
“I continuously got, your prescription is delayed, your prescription is delayed, delayed,” Wilson said.
Wilson said he then tried to refill the prescription through the pharmacy, but the wait stretched to more than a month.
“I ran into issues and problems with getting another supply. Going through the pharmacy, they said, we’ll have it in a couple days,” Wilson said.
After trying multiple local pharmacies, the family said each reported the same problem: the manufacturer could not keep up with demand.
A decade-long shortage
Leucovorin, a drug typically used in cancer treatment, has experienced a supply shortage for more than a decade. The shortage has pushed some families toward other options.
For Shawn Wilson, that alternative is an over-the-counter supplement called L-methylfolate, which he said he ordered through Amazon.
“I ordered it from Amazon. And I got it that afternoon. And it’s in just 10 drops,” Wilson said.
L-methylfolate helps folate cross the blood-brain barrier. Wilson said he is uncertain whether it will produce results.
“If it doesn’t have any serious side effects, I’m open to trying anything. You do anything to see if it’ll help your kid, you know?” Wilson said.
Family moves forward
Christopher recently began the new supplement. Whether it will be effective remains unclear. FOX5 will continue to follow the family’s story.
Wilson’s advice to other parents is to check for side effects and consult their child’s doctor before trying either medication.
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