What's Happening?
A comprehensive scientific review has evaluated the effectiveness of complementary and alternative treatments for autism, revealing a lack of strong evidence supporting their efficacy. Conducted by researchers
from Paris Nanterre University, Paris Cité University, and the University of Southampton, the study analyzed 248 meta-analyses from 200 clinical trials involving over 10,000 participants. The review focused on 19 types of interventions, including animal-assisted therapies, acupuncture, herbal medicine, music therapy, probiotics, and Vitamin D supplementation. Despite the popularity of these treatments among autistic individuals, the study found that most were supported by weak or low-quality evidence. Additionally, safety assessments were often inadequate, with less than half of the treatments evaluated for acceptability, tolerability, or adverse events. The research team also developed an online platform to help the public access scientific evidence on these treatments.
Why It's Important?
The findings of this review are significant as they highlight the need for rigorous evaluation of alternative autism therapies, which are widely used despite limited evidence of their effectiveness. With up to 90 percent of autistic individuals reportedly trying at least one complementary or alternative medicine, understanding the true efficacy and safety of these treatments is crucial. The study underscores the importance of relying on high-quality evidence from randomized trials before adopting such therapies. This is particularly relevant for parents and caregivers seeking safe and effective interventions for autistic individuals. The development of an online platform to disseminate scientific evidence further supports informed decision-making in this area.
What's Next?
The study's authors emphasize the need for continued research to better understand the potential benefits and risks of alternative autism therapies. Future studies should focus on conducting high-quality randomized trials to provide more reliable evidence. The online platform created by the researchers will be further tested and refined to ensure it effectively aids autistic individuals and practitioners in selecting appropriate treatments. As awareness of the limitations of current evidence grows, it is likely that both researchers and healthcare providers will prioritize evidence-based approaches to autism treatment.
