title: Complementary and alternative medicine for autism spectrum disorders: rationale, safety and efficacy.
abstract: Complementary and alternative medicine is widely used for children with autism spectrum disorder, despite uncertainty regarding efficacy. This review describes complementary and alternative practices commonly used among this population, the rationale for the use of each practice, as well as the side-effect profile and evidence for efficacy. The existing evidence base indicates that melatonin can be recommended as a treatment for sleeping disturbances associated with autism spectrum disorder, while secretin can be rejected as an efficacious treatment for broader autistic symptoms. There is insufficient evidence to draw conclusions on the efficacy of modified diets, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, immune therapy, and vitamin and fatty acid supplementation. There is a clear need for methodologically rigorous studies to provide evidence-based guidance to families and clinicians regarding complementary and alternative practices for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
authors.affiliation: Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Neurocognitive Development Unit, School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Andrew J O
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Whitehouse
mesh_terms: D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000628:therapy*; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D055050:Diet, Gluten-Free; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008550:Melatonin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012633:Secretin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D014815:Vitamins; D012633:Secretin; D008550:Melatonin
keywords: alternative medicine; autism; autism spectrum disorder; complementary medicine; efficacy