Great Article on Alternative Treatments for Autism

An article recently published in the Exceptional Parent magazine (February 2009) by Lee Shelley Wallace, discusses alternative treatments for autism. In the article she defines “evidence-based” treatments, gives tips to families about how to begin treatments and evaluate their efficacy, and gives information on the most common alternative treatments for autism.

Ms. Wallace suggests that when looking at research on treatments you should look for studies in which (1) the study is well designed and includes treatment and control groups, (2) there are many participants because the results are more generalizable, (3) the treatment and control groups are well matched, and (4) any confounding variables (those which may account for results) have been identified and discussed.

When beginning and evaluating the efficacy of treatments, Ms. Wallace suggests identifying the target behaviors to change, determine whether or not there are side effects to the treatment, and determine the data that will be collected to determine efficacy. Additionally, Ms. Wallace urges families to consider the cost in time and money of the treatment so as to not overly burden the family or the child.

The article discusses eight different alternative treatment options. The gluten free casein free diet (GFCF), the specific carbohydrate diet (SCD), vitamin B-6 and magnesium supplementation, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, Dimethylglycine (DMG) and trimethylglyceine (TMG) supplementation, other supplementation like CoQ-1O, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E, DAN protocol, and the Mediator Release Test.
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