Alternative Therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorders

There are many treatment options for autism, asperger's and other pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). But there is no cure. Symptoms may subside or improve but likely will not go away. This is why alternative therapies are so attractive. They promise a cure. Most of these alternative therapies have not been tested in controlled scientific studies. Often claims of success are based only on first-person reports that can't be proven. However, this doesn't mean that some alternative therapies might not have some positive effects. But it is likely that these effects will be short-lived and minimal. Here are some of the alternative therapies you may be wondering about.

• Nutritional supplements
  The most common supplements are vitamin B6 and magnesium. Evidence is mixed. Some supplements may help and others may not.
• Chelation therapy
  This treatment is typically used to treat exposure to metals like lead or mercury. Mercury exposure, however, has not been linked to autism. Chelation is a potent treatment and can damage the liver. At this time there is no scientific evidence to support its use in autistic children.
• Elimination diets
  Usually means not eating casein and gluten. They are proteins found in milk or seeds of cereal plants. Since they are found in many of the foods we eat following this kind of diet is difficult. Evidence does not show it improves autistic symptoms
• Auditory integration training
  A special device is used to play music with earphones. It is supposed to improve auditory processing. But it may also damage hearing. Evidence does not show it improves autistic symptoms. It is specifically not recommended as a treatment.
• Facilitated communication
  A trained person guides the limbs and hands of the autistic child. They help them use a computer keyboard to communicate. No scientific evidence to support its use.
• Secretin
  Secretin is a hormone that helps in digestion. Evidence does not show it improves autistic symptoms.
• Immune globulin therapy
  Based on the notion that immune deficiencies may be related to autism. Evidence is mixed but more research is needed.