Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Background. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) represents a popular therapeutic option for patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Unfortunately, there is a paucity of data regarding the efficacy of CAM in ASD. The aim of the present systematic review is to investigate trials of CAM in ASD. Material and Methods. We searched the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINAHL, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Agricola, and Food Science Source. Results. Our literature search identified 2687 clinical publications. After the title/abstract screening, 139 publications were obtained for detailed evaluation. After detailed evaluation 67 studies were included, from hand search of references we retrieved 13 additional studies for a total of 80. Conclusion. There is no conclusive evidence supporting the efficacy of CAM therapies in ASD. Promising results are reported for music therapy, sensory integration therapy, acupuncture, and massage.

Complementary and alternative medicine use in children with autistic spectrum disorder in Mauritius

“…Although the duration of use and the dosage of camel milk are yet to be determined on a larger scale, it has been suggested by Al-Ayadhi and Elamin [17] that camel milk plays a crucial role in reducing oxidative stress and in the improvement of autistic behavior since individuals with ASD have shown to be vulnerable to oxidative stress. Likewise, it has also been demonstrated significant improvement in CARS following consumption of raw camel milk [14].…”

“…However, Brondino et al [14] showed no significant clinical improvement which may be due to small sample size and short duration of the intervention. The main reason put forward by parents for not using elimination diets was its high cost [14].…”

“…The sociodemographic and clinical features, reasons for utilizing CAM, source of recommendation for the usage of CAM and parents and/or legal's beliefs behind the cause of ASD, as described by Bilgiç et al [12] and Re et al [13]. The list of CAM used in Section C, biologically and non-biologically based treatments, was taken from a previous study [14].…”

“…A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled and partly-crossover study by showed significant improvement in Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-communication and repetitive domains and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) social domain after 12 and 24 months 14]. However, Brondino et al [14] showed no significant clinical improvement which may be due to small sample size and short duration of the intervention. The main reason put forward by parents for not using elimination diets was its high cost [14].…”

“…This intervention was used during 22-28 days and between 36 and 42 days. The improvement of the symptoms associated with ASD have been justified by the minor improvement of CARS following a prospective study involving a KD, consisting of 30% energy derived from medium-chain triglyceride oil, 30% fresh cream, 11% saturated fat, 19% carbohydrates, and 10% protein, for 30 children with ASD [14]. Likewise, a case study showed improvement in seizure activity, electroencephalogram, cognitive and social skills, language function, and resolved stereotypic behaviors but it was difficult to assess whether the diet was solely responsible for these improvements [16].…”