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Our categorization of complementary and integrative medicine therapies for autism spectrum disorders according to benefits and risks

Our categorization of complementary and integrative medicine therapies for autism spectrum disorders according to benefits and risks
No benefit
  • Secretin
  • Facilitated communication
Possible benefit, potential risk Possible benefit, low risk
  • Gluten-free casein-free diet*
  • Music therapy
  • Melatonin
  • Oxytocin
  • Therapeutic horseback ridingΔ
  • Other types of animal/pet therapy
  • Sulforaphane
  • Transcranial magnetic stimulation
  • Yoga
  • Body work (eg, massage/qigong)
  • Energy therapies (eg, healing touch, Reiki)
  • Biofeedback/neurofeedback
  • Hypnotherapy
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin B12
  • Folinic acid and folic acid
Unknown benefit, potential risk Unknown benefit, low risk
  • Intravenous immunoglobulin
  • Chelation◊
  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
  • Antimicrobial agents
  • Vitamin B6 and magnesium
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin D in excess of tolerable upper intake level§
  • Homeopathy
  • Vagus nerve stimulation
  • Stem cell therapy
  • Auditory integration therapy
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Probiotics
  • Cannabinoids
  • Methylcobalamin, N-acetylcysteine
  • Zinc
  • Interactive metronome
  • Herbal products
  • Amino acids (eg, taurine, dimethylglycine)
  • Digestive enzymes
  • Mindfulness therapy
  • Acupuncture
  • Craniosacral manipulation
  • Chiropractic¥
Refer to UpToDate content on complementary and integrative medicine therapies for autism spectrum disorders for additional information about potential benefits and risks.

ASD: autism spectrum disorder.

* Children following a gluten-free casein-free diet should be monitored by a registered dietitian.

¶ Refer to the UpToDate topic on pharmacologic interventions for ASD for a discussion of the use of melatonin in the management of sleep disturbance in children with ASD.

Δ Therapeutic horseback riding is safe with proper precautions (eg, helmet, appropriate supervision).

◊ Chelation is associated with potentially serious adverse effects including death.

§ Refer to UpToDate topic on vitamin D for details.

¥ Chiropractic is generally safe for patients without spinal abnormalities.

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