Controversial Treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Complementary and alternative medicine encompasses a broad array of practices spanning various disciplines and approaches, frequently adopted within the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) community due to several factors. These include the diverse and individualized nature of ASD, which makes a single treatment approach less likely, and the increased occurrence of behavioral, medical, or psychiatric issues. This environment fosters a fertile ground for numerous popular yet often unverified treatment options. This chapter reviews various treatments, including dietary changes, facilitated communication, sensory integration therapy, among others. In the pursuit of improving the lives of individuals with ASD, it remains critical to prioritize evidence-based practices while also evaluating the numerous popular but unsupported therapies available.