REVIEW ON COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS Authors: Fayas Ahamed Z And Rajanandh MG*
ABSTRACT
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way the brain
functions and develops. People with ASD may have difficulty with social behavior and
communication and tend to engage in solitary activities. Since there are no reliable biomarkers for
ASD, diagnosis is based on behavioral observations. Behavioral intervention and speech therapy
are the main treatments for ASD. Moreover, antipsychotic medications such as Aripiprazole,
Risperidone for ASD, and Methylphenidate, atomoxetine, and guanfacine are commonly used to
treat ADHD in children with ASD. However, these antipsychotics can cause significant side
effects, leading parents to explore complementary and alternative treatments (CAT). CATs have
shown greater safety and efficacy than antipsychotics. Many CATs are used to improve ASD
symptoms, and while some may have minor adverse effects, they do not cause any major adverse
effects. The study reports a review of the adverse effects that have been reported in CATs.
Therefore, it is important to avoid therapies that are harmful, impractical, difficult, or expensive
and instead focus on safe, simple, affordable, and sensible therapies for ASD.
Keywords: Complementary medicine, Alternative medicine, Speech therapy, Occupational
therapy Publication date: 15/12/2023 https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2023/December/MS_IJBPAS_2023_DECEMBER_SPCL_1006.pdfDownload PDFhttps://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2023/12.12.1006