Researchers Call for Caution: Popular Autism Treatments Lack Evidence
Understanding the Evidence Behind Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Autism Many families seeking support for individuals with autism often turn to complementary and alternative treatments, hoping they can provide relief without the risks associated with traditional medical approaches. However, a recent comprehensive study has raised concerns about the scientific backing of these therapies. The research involved an extensive analysis of 248 meta-analyses, encompassing over 200 clinical trials and more than 10,000 participants. The study evaluated 19 different therapeutic approaches, including music therapy, animal-assisted interventions, probiotics, herbal medicine, acupuncture, and vitamin D. These methods are frequently used by families looking for ways to support their loved ones with autism. No Strong Evidence for Core Symptoms Improvement After thorough evaluation, the researchers concluded that there is currently no high-quality evidence to suggest that complementar...