[Intervention in autistic disorders: status quo, evidence-based, questionable and doubtful techniques].
OBJECTIVE
We describe and critically discuss intervention methods that have been used to modify autistic behaviors.


METHODS
Early intervention methods, training of social skills, pharmacological treatment and alternative approaches are reviewed in the light of the empirical evidence.


RESULTS
Autism is a persistent and phenotypically heterogeneous disorder for which no cure has been found to date. However, individually composed care and therapies can lead to remarkable quantitative improvement.


CONCLUSIONS
Further research is needed to evaluate the true impact of psychological and biological intervention techniques in autistic disorders. Among other things, the therapy studies carried out up to now often lack an adequate diagnostic assessment.
Bölte
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S
Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, Klinikums der Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität. Boelte@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Poustka
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F
D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002648:Child; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D018479:Early Intervention, Educational; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012951:Socialization
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs