Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Autism

The publications Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Autism Part 1: Evidence-Supported Treatments , Stephen Bent, MD and Robert L. Hendren, DO and Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Autism Part 2: Identifying and Avoiding Non-Evidence-Based Treatments, Alison Singer, MBA and Ramita Ravi | AMA Journal of Ethics, provide a comprehensive review of various complementary and alternative treatments (CATs) for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Part 1 of the publication focuses on CATs that have been supported by empirical evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or systematic reviews of RCTs. The article summarizes current research on several types of CATs that have shown some beneficial effects for individuals with ASD, including dietary interventions, nutritional supplements, and behavioral and educational interventions such as applied behavior analysis (ABA) and social skills training.

Part 2 of the publication, in contrast, reviews a variety of CATs that lack empirical evidence to support their use for ASD. The article highlights the potential risks and lack of scientific support for many of these treatments, which can range from dietary supplements to unconventional interventions like chelation therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Taken together, these publications provide a useful resource for families and healthcare professionals seeking to make informed decisions about CATs for ASD. They emphasize the importance of evidence-based practice and the need for rigorous scientific evaluation of CATs, while also acknowledging the challenges and complexities of identifying effective treatments for ASD. By highlighting both evidence-supported and unfounded treatments, these publications provide a balanced and nuanced view of the current landscape of CATs for ASD.