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Complementary and Alternative Therapies

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Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder

Part of the book series: Autism and Child Psychopathology Series ((ACPS))

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Abstract

In recent years, complementary and alternative medicine has gained significant popularity among people with autism spectrum disorders and their families. However, information concerning the use of unconventional therapies is often not disclosed to physicians, thus, preventing shared and educated decision-making concerning treatment options. While many complementary and alternative therapies seem to have a good safety profile, evidence regarding their efficacy is often missing. In this chapter, we review current knowledge of complementary and alternative therapies that are most used in autism spectrum disorders, including nutritional interventions, acupuncture, massage therapy, and mind-body interventions. Results and methodologies from recent studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses are presented and discussed in the light of a Western scientific framework. While no conclusive evidence currently supports the use of complementary and alternative medicine in autism, we encourage practitioners to discuss with families the opportunity to implement practices that are safe, available and accessible in addition to standard treatment, as these could improve therapeutic response and care satisfaction.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Brain and Behavioral Science, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy

    Cecilia Guiot, Matteo Rocchetti & Natacia Brondino

  2. Department of Mental Health and Addiction, ASST Lodi, Lodi, Italy

    Federico Grasso

Authors
  1. Cecilia Guiot
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  2. Federico Grasso
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  3. Matteo Rocchetti
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  4. Natacia Brondino
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Matteo Rocchetti .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA

    Johnny L. Matson

  2. The Graduate Center and Queens College, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA

    Peter Sturmey

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Guiot, C., Grasso, F., Rocchetti, M., Brondino, N. (2022). Complementary and Alternative Therapies. In: Matson, J.L., Sturmey, P. (eds) Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-88538-0_64

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