Use of complementary and alternative medicine among children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

Ellen’s team mailed a one-page survey to 112 families. All had a child with autism seen at a Midwest autism clinic.

Parents checked yes or no to 15 listed complementary or alternative treatments. They could also write in others.

Seventy-four percent of parents said they had tried at least one CAM therapy. The list ranged from special diets to chelation.

The survey only asked, “Are you using it?” It did not track if the child got better, worse, or stayed the same.

Höfer et al. (2017) later pooled 20 studies and found CAM use ranged from 28 % to 95 %. Ellen’s 74 % sits right in the middle, so the older number still rings true.

Bent et al. (2011) gave omega-3 pills to autistic kids in a real trial. The pills did not beat placebo. That RCT shows why asking about CAM matters—parents may be spending time and money on things with no proven gain.

Fahmie et al. (2013) found 70 % of kids had unusual sensory interests. Like CAM use, these extras are common but easy to miss unless you ask.

Three out of four families already use CAM before they walk into your clinic. Add one question to your intake: “Are you giving any vitamins, special diets, or other non-prescription treatments?” Write the answer in the plan. This keeps you in the loop, prevents clashes with prescribed meds, and builds trust.