Complementary Therapies

Complementary therapies are approaches some families use alongside evidence-based treatment. The evidence for them varies: Social Stories and social skills training are recognized evidence-based practices, while others on this list have little or no research support. Ask your child's doctor or behavior analyst before paying for any of them. (Ellen Hanson, Et Al, 2007)

Animal Therapy

Animal-assisted therapy brings animals, most often dogs and horses, into therapy sessions. One controlled trial of therapeutic horseback riding found gains in social and communication skills (Gabriels et al., 2015), but the evidence is still limited. Dolphin-assisted therapy is not recommended: there is no reliable evidence that it works, and it carries risks.

Auditory Integration Therapy

This therapy is based on experiments with sound. The child is given headphones through which he or she will be able to listen to music that has been modified electronically. The therapy lasts for 30 minutes. It is marketed as a treatment for cognitive and behavioral problems; ask your child’s doctor before paying for it.

Auditory Processing Therapy

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) may be treated using Auditory Processing Therapy. Children with APD lack the ability to process information that they can hear. This is because of the inability of the brain to coordinate information.

CranioSacral Therapy

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a process in which the craniosacral system is assessed and improved. The craniosacral system is composed of membranes and cerebrospinal fluid, which is found in the brain and spinal cord. A soft touch of not more than five grams is used to open the restrictions in the craniosacral system. Its practitioners say it supports the central nervous system. It has not been shown to treat autism.

Music Therapy

Music is used as a means of communication. It is a method by which isolation patterns are broken, echolalia responses are reduced, and language and social skills are improved. This therapy can be used in the treatment of autism in combination with other types of treatment.

Recreational Therapy

Recreational therapy involves various types of treatments that help to restore the functioning ability for everyday activities. It improves health and reduces any limitations to activities that are caused by autism spectrum disorder.

Social Stories

Social Stories therapy uses pictures that show different activities and social circumstances to a child with autism. By looking at the pictures the child learns to deal with activities and experiences of daily life.

Social Skills

Social Skills therapy uses intervention that helps a child with autism in developing basic social skills. A positive strategy of communication along with problem-solving methods is used in this therapy. In this way, children learn to deal with challenging social scenarios.

Vision Therapy

Vision therapy uses lenses, prisms, filters, patches and eye exercises. There is no good evidence that it helps autism, and the American Academy of Pediatrics and eye-care societies do not recommend it for learning problems. If you are worried about your child's vision, start with an eye exam.

References:

Ellen Hanson, L. A. (2007). Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37(4): 628-36.

Gabriels, R. L., et al. (2015). Randomized controlled trial of therapeutic horseback riding in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 54(7), 541-549.

Handler, S. M., Fierson, W. M., et al. (2011). Learning disabilities, dyslexia, and vision. Pediatrics, 127(3), e818-e856.

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