Alternative treatments for autism: Prevalence and predictors

Autism is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder for which large variety of treatments are offered, including alternative treatments. Vaccine-related (treatments falsely claiming to cure autism by addressing its alleged cause: routine childhood vaccines such as MMR) continue be offered worldwide, despite widespread evidence against the effectiveness and even possible harm related these We analysed use in two studies: survey study (N = 1989, autistic adults parents/legal representatives individuals with autism) clinical care 4520, patient files from treatment center autism). Both studies found relatively high frequency (23.0–30.7%) – children 46.4% -, mostly combination mainstream treatment. In vaccine-related were used 3.2% all (and 6.7% children), was predicted co-occurring diagnoses, younger age diagnosis use. study, patients who had received homeo-/osteopath more often highly educated parents Dutch/Western background enrolled special education. Alternative widely should included guidelines. Parents, practitioners both advised warned about benefits risks More research needed better understand choice effect autism, improved.