Abstract
Nineteen parents of children with autism were interviewed about their experiences with autism treatments. These parents had originally participated in an Internet survey of treatments for autism and were randomly selected to participate in the follow-up telephone interview. The questions focused on three current treatments that have varying empirical support in the research literature, namely Applied Behavior Analysis, Sensory Integration therapy, and a combination of Vitamin B6 and Magnesium. Most parents received information about these treatments from the Internet, other parents, and occupational therapists. In addition to recommendations from professionals and other parents to use a particular treatment, the study showed that ease of implementation, time commitment, and perceived effectiveness may also contribute to the continued use of treatments that lack empirical support. The findings highlight the need for parents to have access to unbiased, scientifically validated information about treatments for autism.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Adrien, J. L., Ornitz, E., Barthelemy, C., Sauvage, D., & Lelord, G. (1987). The presence or absence of certain behaviors associated with infantile autism in severely retarded autistic and nonautistic retarded children and very young normal children. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 17, 406–416.
Ayers, J. (1972). Improving academic scores through sensory integration. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 5, 338–343.
Baranek, G. T. (2002). Efficacy of sensory and motor interventions for children with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 32, 397–422.
Carte, E., Morrison, D., Sublett, J., Uemura, A., & Setrakian, W. (1984). Sensory integration therapy: A trial of a specific neurodevelopmental therapy for the remediation of learning disabilities. Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 5, 189–194.
Dawson, G., & Watling, R. (2000). Interventions to facilitate auditory, visual, and motor integration in autism: A review of the evidence. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 30, 415–421.
Gillberg, C., Johansson, M., Steffenburg, S., & Berlin, O. (1997). Auditory integration training in children with autism. Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, 1, 97–100.
Goldstein, H. (2003). Response to Edelson, Rimland, and Grandin's commentary. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 33, 553–555.
Green, V. A., Pituch, K. A., Itchon, J., Choi, A., O’Reilly, M. F., & Sigafoos, J. (2006). Internet survey of treatments used by parents of children with autism. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 27, 70–84.
Gresham, F. M., Beebe-Frankenberger, M. E., & MacMillan, D. L (1999). A selective review of treatments for children with autism: Description and methodological considerations. School Psychology Review, 28, 559–575.
Harris, S., Handleman, J., Gordon, R., Kristoff, B., & Fuentes, F. (1991). Changes in cognitive and language functioning of preschool children with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 21, 281–290.
Heflin, L. J., & Simpson, R. L. (1998). Interventions for children and youth with autism: Prudent choices in a world of exaggerated claims and empty promises. Part I: Intervention and treatment option review. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 13, 194–211.
Hoshina, Y., Kumashiro, H., Yashima, Y., Tachibana, R., Watanabe, M., & Furukawa, H. (1982). Early symptoms of autistic children and its diagnostic significance. Folia Psychiatrica et Neurologica Japonica, 36, 367–374.
Kerbeshian, J., Burd, L., & Avery, K. (2001). Pharmacotherapy of autism: A review and clinical approach. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 13, 199–227.
Lovaas, O. I. (1987). Behavioral treatment and normal educational and intellectual functioning in young autistic children. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 55, 3–9.
Lovaas, O. I., & Smith, T. (2003). Early and intensive behavioral intervention in autism. In A. E. Kazdin & J. R. Weisz (Eds.), Evidence-based psychotherapies for children and adolescents (pp. 325–340). New York: Guilford Press.
Lord, C., & McGee, J. P. (2001). Educating children with autism. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.
Lynch, M. E. (2004). A report of the parent initiated use of dietary interventions and nutritional supplements as a treatment for individuals with an autism spectrum disorder. International Journal of Disability, Community and Rehabilitation, 3(4), 1–17.
Matson, J. L. (Ed.). (1994). Autism in children and adults: Etiology, assessment, and intervention. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
McEachin, J., Smith, T., & Lovaas, O. I. (1993). Long-term outcome for children with autism who received early intensive behavioral treatment. American Journal on Mental Retardation, 97, 359–372.
Mostert, M. P. (2001). Facilitated communication since 1995: A review of published studies. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 31, 287–313.
Myers, B. J., Goin-Kochel, R. P., & Mackintosh, V. H. (2005). Therapies for children with autism spectrum disorders: How many are children using? Poster presented at the Society for Research in Child Development Biennial Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia.
Pauling L. (1968). Orthomolecular psychiatry. Science, 160, 265–271.
Pfeiffer, S. I., Norton, J., Nelson, L., & Shott, S. (1995). Efficacy of vitamin B6 and magnesium in the treatment of autism: A methodology review and summary of outcomes. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 25, 481–493.
Shaw, S. R. (2002). A school psychologist investigates sensory integration therapies: Promise, possibility and the art of placebo. NASP Communique, 31, 1–5.
Vargas, S., & Camilli, G. (1999). A meta-analysis of research on sensory integration treatment. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 53, 189–198.
Webster, A., Webster, V., & Feiler, A. (2002). Research evidence, polemic and evangelism: How decisions are made on early intervention in autistic spectrum disorder. Educational and Child Psychology, 19, 54–67.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank the parent participants for their willingness to participate in the study and I would also like to thank the following individuals for conducting the telephone interviews: Jeannie Aguilar, Pamela Buttner, Summer Cacciotti, Aram Choi, Renee Graphia, Annie Huang, Jonathon Itchon, Ayiesha Lukong, Monica Roman and Rick Sperling.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Green, V.A. Parental Experience with Treatments for Autism. J Dev Phys Disabil 19, 91–101 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-007-9035-y
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-007-9035-y