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Alternative medicine
By Mayo Clinic staffSome parents choose to supplement traditional medical treatments and behavior therapy with alternative therapies. The safety and effectiveness of alternative therapies for autism spectrum disorders have not been proven. However, some anecdotal reports indicate that some therapies may be helpful on a case-by-case basis. Scientific studies are ongoing.
Complementary therapies for disorders on the autism spectrum may include special diets, vitamin and mineral supplements, art therapy, music therapy, and sensory integration, a therapy technique used by occupational therapists to help children adapt to normal sensory experiences in the environment.
Always talk with your doctor before trying a new therapy. Your doctor can help you understand the risks and benefits, and alert you to any possible side effects or interactions with existing medications.
- Childhood disintegrative disorder. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Pervasive developmental disorders. In: Hales RE, et al., eds. The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry. 5th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2008. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Childhood disintegrative disorder. In: Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/203193401-3/1005176842/1608/73.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2450-7..50031-1--cesec12_466 Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Pervasive developmental disorders. In: Stern TA, et al. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/203193401-5/1005177285/1657/637.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-04743-2..50071-8--cesec46_1911. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Augustyn M. Terminology, epidemiology, and pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Autism spectrum disorders (pervasive developmental disorders). National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/autism/complete-index.shtml. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Augustyn M. Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 18, 2010.
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