Complementary Medicine (Neurodevelopmental)

Despite the popular use of complementary alternative medicine in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this 2018 study points out that there is limited evidence supporting the use of these treatments in ASD. The current ASD therapies that are approved by the FDA are known to target behavioral symptoms of autism, and not the core symptoms of social communication dysfunction and restricted/repetitive behaviors. There are also evidence-based therapies for core symptoms (including applied behavior analysis) but some families find it difficult to access these treatments. Family members of autistic patients at times hesitate to discuss their interest in complementary alternative medicines with their physicians. Furthermore, doctors may have knowledge gaps in the use of these alternative medicines in ASD and have voiced their concerns on potential conflict with parents about the role of complementary alternative medicine (CAM) in the management of autism. It is vital that physicians are informed of the current evidence for CAM treatment use in children and adolescents with autism. This would allow the healthcare professionals and the patients/families to have a conversation based on evidence.