What Parents Should Know About Alternative Autism Therapies
A recent study published in Nature Human Behaviour reviewed existing research on complementary, alternative and integrative medicine (CAIM) for autism. Here's what parents should know:
What Did Researchers Study?
The team analyzed 53 previous meta-analyses (studies of studies) about various CAIM approaches for autism. They created a web platform to share their findings.
Key Finding
While up to 90% of autistic individuals have tried CAIM at some point, the researchers found the evidence supporting these approaches remains uncertain.
Why This Matters
Many families explore alternative therapies, often spending significant time and money. This review helps parents understand what evidence exists (or doesn't exist) for these approaches.
Limitations
The study didn't evaluate specific therapies - it reviewed existing reviews. More research is needed on individual approaches.
Read the full study (published August 28, 2025): Complementary, alternative and integrative medicine for autism: an umbrella review and online platform
Read the study: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-025-02256-9