Complementary and alternative medicine use in a large pediatric autism sample

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Medicine
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine Research

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting social interaction and communication.
• Children and adolescents with ASD frequently utilize complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) alongside conventional treatments.
• Understanding factors associated with CAM use in ASD is crucial for comprehensive care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations between ASD diagnostic subtypes, co-occurring medical conditions, and medication use with CAM utilization.
• To identify specific symptoms and characteristics that correlate with CAM use in pediatric ASD populations.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network patient registry data.
• Collected information on CAM use, medical conditions, and psychotropic medication at enrollment.
• Employed logistic regression to analyze associations, controlling for demographic factors.

Main Results:

• 28% of children with ASD reported using CAM, with 17% using special diets and 20% using other CAM therapies.
• CAM use was significantly associated with gastrointestinal symptoms (OR=1.88), seizure disorders (OR=1.58), and high behavioral symptom scores (CBCL >70, OR=1.29).
• Lower rates of CAM use were observed in children with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) (OR=0.62), Asperger's (OR=0.66), and those on medication (OR=0.69).

Conclusions:

• Co-occurring gastrointestinal symptoms, seizure disorders, and behavioral problems are linked to increased CAM use in children with ASD.
• The findings underscore the importance of screening for CAM use in children with ASD, particularly those with complex symptom profiles.
• This research highlights the need for integrated care approaches that consider CAM in managing pediatric ASD.