Complementary or controversial care? The opinions of professionals on complementary and alternative interventions for Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2012 Oct;17(4):602-15. doi: 10.1177/1359104511435340. Epub 2012 Feb 26.

Abstract

The use of complementary and alternative interventions is growing and gaining popularity, both in the UK and internationally, with significant financial and emotional implications. Complementary and alternative interventions are often utilised by parents of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders and research has investigated parental beliefs. There is, however, limited understanding regarding what professionals believe about the use of alternative treatments. In this paper we explore the opinions of a range of different professionals about alternative treatments and found that while some have an open-minded opinion, there was a tendency to hold beliefs that these treatments are ineffective, that they give false hope and have potential to harm the child. We discuss the implications for this in terms of the importance of an open dialogue between professionals and families and consider the importance of this in relation to the popularity of these interventions.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Child
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / psychology
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / therapy*
  • Complementary Therapies*
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Humans
  • Parents / psychology