title: Treatments for autism: parental choices and perceptions of change.
abstract: Empirically conducted studies of the efficacy of various treatments for autism are limited, which leaves parents with little evidence on which to base their treatment decisions (Kasari, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 32: 447-461, 2002). The purpose of this study was to examine the types of treatments in current use by families of children with ASD. In addition, parents' perceptions of improvement in their child's functioning were explored. Through an online survey, a sample of 970 parents of ASD children reported on the treatments currently in use, those discontinued, and reasons for discontinuation. Results indicate that most families adopt multiple treatment approaches. Parents were most likely to discontinue non-evidence based treatments when they did not see improvement in their child's functioning.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. abowker@connect.carleton.ca
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bowker
authors.forename: Nadia M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: D'Angelo
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hicks
authors.forename: Kerry
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wells
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D002755:Choice Behavior; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D010465:Perception; D016896:Treatment Outcome