A major review of autism treatments has revealed a lack of strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of alternative therapies, and many of them have not undergone sufficient safety evaluations.
This comprehensive analysis, conducted by researchers from Paris Nanterre University, Paris Cité University, and the University of Southampton, pinpointed several treatments for autism spectrum disorder that show potential, but the strength of their evidence remains questionable.
Oxytocin therapy, which administers the hormone oxytocin via nasal spray to aid social and behavioral issues, was highlighted as having the most supportive data.
While it demonstrated a minor reduction in repetitive behaviors among autistic adults, it fell short for other autism-related symptoms, such as difficulties in social communication and overall symptom severity, irrespective of the age group.
Other therapies, like music therapy, animal-assisted interventions for children, magnetic stimulation for adolescents, physical activity for adults, and melatonin for childhood sleep improvement, had notable impacts but were based on low-quality evidence, leading to uncertainty about their true effectiveness.
Professor Richard Delorme, one of the analysis’s co-authors, mentioned that many parents and autistic adults often seek alternative treatments believing they may be beneficial without side effects.
However, he cautioned against jumping to conclusions without robust evidence from thorough trials.
Behavioral approaches remain the most studied interventions for children with autism, focusing on strategies to enhance positive behaviors like communication and social skills while minimizing harmful ones.
The review synthesized data from 248 meta-analyses, which included over 200 controlled clinical trials with more than 10,000 participants on the autism spectrum.
In exploring 19 complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine (CAIM) methods, researchers evaluated therapies such as oxytocin, melatonin, music therapy, animal-assisted therapy, and exercises.
Various brain stimulation techniques were assessed for their potential in addressing autism by modulating abnormal neural activities and enhancing communication among brain regions responsible for social and cognitive functions.
Other therapies considered were secretin, a hormone previously experimented with for autism, acupuncture, Chinese herbal mixtures, therapeutic massage, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Surprisingly, about 54 percent of autistic individuals reportedly resort to some form of CAIM, with some studies indicating this number could be as high as 92 percent over a lifetime.
Yet, numerous studies and clinical guidelines point out a lack of efficacy, and sometimes adverse effects, associated with these interventions in autism.
The analysis assessed alternative treatments based on their impact on core autism symptoms and various related behaviors.
Among core symptoms, the review looked at social communication difficulties, repetitive behaviors, sensory issues, and general symptom severity.
They also evaluated several key associated outcomes like disruptive behaviors, common co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and ADHD, cognitive skills, and quality of life.
Notably, improvements in sleep quality and duration were highlighted as critical, given the significance of sleep for individuals with autism and their families.
Professor Samuele Cortese stressed the importance of considering a wide range of evidence rather than relying on a single study to gauge treatment effectiveness.
The researchers also created an online platform to share evidence related to different CAIM treatments.
The review was published in the journal Nature Human Behavior.
Dr. Corentin Gosling, the study’s first author, expressed hope that this tool will assist autistic individuals and practitioners in collaboratively determining the most suitable treatments.
While the review did not endorse any specific therapies over others, the researchers emphasized the need for behavioral, educational, and developmental therapies that are evidence-based.
From 2000, the rate of autism diagnoses rose significantly, going from 1 in 150 children to 1 in 31 by 2020, reflecting increased awareness and changing diagnostic criteria.
The average age at diagnosis is around five, but many parents recognize signs of developmental issues as early as two, especially concerning social skills. Lately, there has been a noteworthy surge in diagnosis rates as well.
A study from 2024 showed a 175 percent increase in autism diagnoses from 2011 to 2022, escalating from 2.3 to 6.3 per 1,000 across all ages.
The most significant increase was noted among young adults aged 26 to 34, whose diagnosis rates jumped by 450 percent.
Nevertheless, children aged five to eight are still diagnosed most frequently, at a rate of 30 per 1,000.
This rise in diagnoses can largely be attributed to improved screening practices and reduced stigma surrounding the condition, along with heightened public consciousness.
While the exact causes of autism remain unclear, newer research suggests that environmental factors, including pollution, maternal infections during pregnancy, and older parental age, could play a role.
