Alternative therapies in autism. What is their position?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is now recognized in a timely manner within the framework of regular pediatric monitoring.
The “core” characteristics of autism are:
1. Difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication
2. Difficulties in social interaction
3. Kinetic stereotypies, circumscribed interests, reduced flexibility in change and sensory exploration.
Early diagnosis and early intervention are of utmost importance.
Frequently, parents, in addition to interventions proven to be effective, also seek alternative treatments that are often very expensive and controversial.
So far, there is no strong research data regarding the favorable effect of modifications in the diet of children with ASD. Similarly, detoxification therapies, e.g. chelation, have no place. Stem cell therapy is still in the research and experimental stage.
Therapies that can be used in parallel and complementary to conventional therapies are:
1. Hippotherapy
2. Speech therapy intervention with the help of dogs
3. Therapeutic swimming
4. Music therapy
5. Cognitive behavioral drama therapy
6. Some herbs used by Chinese medicine
7. Acupuncture
However, it should always be emphasized that the above therapies contribute auxiliary and complementary to the improvement of children’s symptoms.
Regular developmental monitoring is necessary in order to modify the therapeutic intervention according to the child’s needs.
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