Use of complementary and alternative medicine among children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
This study examined the prevalence of the use of different types of conventional, complementary and alternative therapies by children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Of 112 families surveyed, 74% were using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for their child with ASD. CAM use was most strongly associated with parent report of child's diagnosis. Most CAM was reported by families to be either helpful or without effect, but not harmful. The main reasons for choosing CAM were related to concerns with the safety and side effects of prescribed medications. Conventional health care providers should be aware of the high prevalence of use among children with ASD and be prepared to discuss the use of CAM with families.
Hanson
Ellen
E
Developmental Medicine Center, Children's Hospital, Boston, Harvard Medical School, MA 02115, USA. ellen.hanson@childrens.harvard.edu
Kalish
Leslie A
LA
Bunce
Emily
E
Curtis
Christine
C
McDaniel
Samuel
S
Ware
Janice
J
Petry
Judith
J
D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D001900:Boston; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D002675:Child, Preschool; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014600:Utilization Review / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs