Factors Associated With the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Autistic Preschoolers

Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) are treatment approaches that are not typically part of conventional medical care. This study examined factors associated with the use of CAM by autistic preschoolers.

Children aged 2-5 years were enrolled in a multi-site case control study in six areas throughout the United States (California, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania). Mothers reported types of conventional services, prescription medications, and CAM ever used by their child. Analyses included 778 preschoolers classified with autism after a comprehensive evaluation. Factors associated with CAM use were examined using Poisson regression.

CAM was used by a third of autistic preschoolers in our sample. The predominant forms of CAM used were special diets, particularly gluten or casein free diets, followed by dietary supplements. Preschoolers using higher numbers of conventional services and having higher levels of behavioral and emotional problems had an increased probability of CAM usage.

These findings suggest that CAM is most often used in conjunction with standard treatments; thus, CAM use is primarily "complementary" rather than "alternative." Since CAM are commonly used but not well established for the treatment of autism and co-occurring conditions, this information can help providers promote awareness of evidence-based treatments of autism while engaging in shared decision making with caregivers when developing treatment plans.