Post #4683

Landmark Study Finds Alternative Autism Therapies Lack Scientific Proof The largest and most detailed analysis of alternative and complementary autism treatments has found little reliable evidence that these methods are effective, and noted that their safety is seldom evaluated. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how people communicate, process information, and interact with others. It is estimated to affect around 1 in 100 people worldwide. In a study published in Nature Human Behaviour, researchers from Paris Nanterre University, Paris Cité University, and the University of Southampton reviewed 248 meta-analyses, which together included 200 clinical trials and more than 10,000 participants. The research examined how well complementary, alternative, and integrative medicines (CAIMs) work in treating autism, as well as their safety. The team analyzed 19 different approaches, such as animal-assisted therapy, acupuncture, herbal remedies, music therapy, probiotics, and Vitamin D. The team also created an online platform to make it easier for people to see the evidence they generated on different CAIMS. Autism and the Search for Better Treatments Autistic people can find it hard to communicate, understand how people think or feel, be overwhelmed by sensory information, become anxious in unfamiliar surroundings, and carry out repetitive behaviors. All of this can interfere with their quality of life, and up to 90% report having used CAIMs at least once in their lifetime. “Many parents of autistic children, as well as autistic adults, turn to complementary and alternative medicines hoping they may help without unwanted side effects,” says Professor Richard Delorme, Head of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit at Robert Debré Hospital in Paris. “However, it is necessary to carefully consider evidence from rigorous randomized trials before concluding that these treatments should be tried.” The Power of an Umbrella Review Researchers carried out an umbrella review – a type of study that pulls together evidence to give an overall ‘big picture’ summary. Dr. Corentin Gosling, Associate Professor at the Paris Nanterre University and first author of the study, explains: “Rather than looking at individual trials, we reviewed all the available meta-analyses, which are a compilation of many trials. This allowed us to evaluate the full body of evidence across different treatments. “Importantly, we also developed a free and easy-to-use online platform, which we will continue to test. Ultimately, we hope this tool will support autistic people and practitioners in choosing together the best treatment.” Source:SciTechDaily @EverythingScience