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Autism is a form of neurodivergence, which means it is simply the way some people interact with and experience the world. Because being autistic is neither an illness or a disease, it doesn’t need to be treated or cured. Attempts to do so harm and endanger autistic people.
However, autism is a disability for most autistic people, so traits such as light sensitivity, restricted eating patterns, and emotional outbursts should be addressed. The use of complementary and alternative (CAM) methods can be helpful. Most of these methods are low risk and some have the potential to be helpful. Several CAM methods promoted for autism, however, carry a level of risk and may be dangerous.
Before starting any alternative or complementary therapy, it’s wise to consult a physician to be sure the therapy is safe, ethical, and has the potential to be helpful. It’s also very important to set goals and record outcomes to determine whether the therapy is helping.
Standard Therapies for Autism
In general, CAM is defined as being outside the standard or mainstream methods for addressing autism as a disability. There are only a few established methods available for autism.
Standard methods for autism include:
Most of these can be helpful, though the medications can have significant side effects. The medical community views ABA as the standard for “treating” autism, but some medical professionals and autistic self-advocates disagree. One of their critiques lies in ABA viewing autism as a flaw and the therapy’s subsequent focus on conformity and suppressing autistic behavior. The other main critique is that there is evidence of increased post-traumatic stress symptoms in autistic people who’ve undergone ABA.
Additionally, a wide range of medications and therapies can, in some cases, be helpful for symptoms that co-occur with autism such as sleeplessness, anxiety, gastrointestinal (GI) issues, body language and tone interpretation, sensory sensitivity, emotional dysregulation, and learning disabilities.
CAM Therapy and Autism
There are a variety of CAM therapies that may be recommended for autistic people. Not every person will benefit from each therapy, and the best options are those that are safe and are most likely to be accepted by the autistic themself.
CAM therapies include but are not limited to:
- Food supplements
- Specialized diets
- Animal-assisted therapy
- Arts therapies
- Developmental therapies
- Mind-body therapies such as yoga and biofeedback
- Non-medical alternative therapies such as craniosacral manipulation, acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, and massage therapy
- Sensory therapies such as sensory diets and weighted vests
CBD oil and edibles and homeopathic and Chinese traditional remedies have been used as well, though there is controversy on whether CBD is safe for children.
Most Often-Recommended CAM Options
In general, the most-recommended CAM options for autism are for specific symptoms such as sleeplessness or anxiety, and they are the same CAM options that are recommended for anyone with these issues.
Specifically, they include:
- Melatonin, a hormone made by the pineal gland, is known to be helpful for treating insomnia.
- Multivitamins/minerals with a recommended daily allowance of nutrients can ensure
