Scope of Complementary and Alternative Therapies to Treat ASD

Thanks to the riddance from the conventional methodologies that a good percentage of preschools for autism provide with complementary and alternative therapies for the condition.  With the wide acknowledgement of the fact that there are no approved medications for treating autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and the related symptoms, several parents and doctors have started relying on a number of treatments which are unconventional.

Some of the experts also fear that few parents might be turning to these alternate therapies owing to the fact that find other prescribed social or behavioural services to be unapproachable or don't intend to go the conventional medicinal way which of course involves the vaccines. However a recent study found that this wasn't the case.

These studies also showed that education plays a major play in these therapies. Children with at least an educated parent generally went for the alternative therapies in comparison to the uneducated parents who relied only on the known medicinal course and services. The complementary services are also considered relatively safer.

With the dearth of researches conducted on these different therapies here is a list of some of the safest and widest known complementary and alternative therapies:

-Melatonin

More than half of the children affected with ASD the most common problem is that of insomnia. Sleeping disorders similarly affect the adolescents and adults with autism, though the prevalence in these age groups is still not known.

Melatonin is a natural hormone which regulates the sleep- wake cycle. Supplements improve the sleep and reduce insomnia in children. Research shows that regular dose of melatonin aids the children affected with autism to fall asleep naturally and normally. Disorders in sleep also make the symptoms of those suffering from autism worse, which include repetitive behaviour and social interactions. Apart from this, parents and caregivers also report that the insomnia caused by autism takes a toll on the entire family.

-Omega-3 fatty acids

It is a known fact that fatty acids are essential for the development and function of the brain. These are also popular nutritional supplements and are also known to be safe.

These fatty acids reduce the ASD symptoms like repetitive behaviour and hyperactivity. However in this situation as well it is imperative that the parents are aware of the quality and different types of these acids which are available across the counter.

-Nutritional Supplements

There is enough evidence to support the assumption that the children with autism are generally deficient in certain amount and types on nutrition. A daily dose of multivitamin is safe and reasonable option for people belonging to any-age, especially for those who are don't consume a full-rounded diet.

Another popular therapy involves the injections of the vitamin methyl B12. The advantage involved in it is vitamins protects against oxidative stress. It is now also known that probiotics improve the gastrointestinal stress in children with autism.