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Updated: May 20, 2026
08:42
A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research
Published on: July 31, 2017
Complementary and alternative treatment use for autism spectrum disorders
Sarah E Hall1, Cynthia A Riccio
1Department of Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University, TAMU MS4225, 704 Harrington, College Station, TX 77843-4225, USA.
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
|July 14, 2012
Summary
Parents often choose complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) when standard treatments are limited. Key factors influencing this decision include autism severity, child acceptance, marital status, and education level, not research support.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Behavioral Science
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a growing reason for seeking medical diagnosis and care.
- Limited availability of standard treatment options often leads parents to explore complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments used for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- To identify factors influencing parents' decisions to utilize CAM for their children with ASD.
Main Methods:
- A web-based survey was employed to gather data from parents and caregivers regarding their use of CAM for ASD.
- The survey investigated various factors potentially influencing the decision-making process for CAM adoption.
Main Results:
- Four significant factors emerged influencing parents' decisions: severity of ASD symptoms, child's acceptance of the treatment, parental marital status, and educational attainment.
- Interestingly, the level of research support for a treatment did not significantly contribute to the variance in CAM use.
Conclusions:
- Parental decisions regarding CAM for ASD are complex and influenced by practical considerations and child-specific factors.
- Future research should explore the efficacy and safety of CAM interventions for ASD, considering parental decision-making drivers.
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