A massive scientific review put alternative autism therapies to the test
A major new review has put hundreds of alternative autism treatments under the microscope—and most didn’t hold up. Scientists analyzed decades of research and found little reliable evidence that popular approaches like probiotics, acupuncture, or music therapy truly work. Alarmingly, safety was often ignored, with many treatments never properly evaluated for side effects. The researchers stress that looking at the full body of evidence matters far more than trusting a single hopeful study.
The most wide ranging quantitative analysis of research on complementary and alternative treatments for autism has found no strong evidence that these approaches are effective. The review also found that safety was often overlooked, with many treatments never properly evaluated for possible risks.
The study was led by researchers from Paris Nanterre University, Paris Cité University, and the University of Southampton and published in Nature Human Behaviour. It examined 248 meta analyses, drawing on results from 200 clinical trials that together involved more than 10,000 participants.
What Treatments Were Examined
The researchers focused on complementary, alternative and integrative medicines (CAIMs) used to treat autism. In total, they evaluated 19 different types of interventions. These included animal assisted therapies, acupuncture, herbal medicine, music therapy, probiotics, and Vitamin D supplementation.
Alongside the analysis, the research team developed an online platform designed to help the public explore the scientific evidence behind different CAIMs more easily.
Why These Treatments Are Widely Used
Autistic people may experience challenges with communication, understanding others' thoughts or emotions, managing sensory overload, coping with unfamiliar environments, and engaging in repetitive behaviors. These difficulties can affect daily life and overall wellbeing.
As a result, interest in alternative treatments is widespread. Studies suggest that up to 90 percent of autistic individuals report having tried at least one CAIM at some point in their lives.
"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."
How the Evidence Was Evaluated
To assess the full scope of existing research, the team conducted an umbrella review, a method that combines findings from multiple meta analyses to provide an overall big picture assessment.
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."