Researchers studied nearly 800 families with autistic preschoolers to understand why some parents use alternative treatments like special diets and supplements alongside regular medical care. They found that about one-third of autistic preschoolers used some form of alternative medicine, most commonly gluten-free or casein-free diets and vitamins. Kids who received more standard treatments and had more behavioral challenges were more likely to use these alternatives. The study shows that parents typically use these treatments together with regular doctor care, not instead of it. This information can help doctors talk with families about which treatments have the most scientific evidence.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Which families with autistic preschoolers use alternative treatments like special diets and supplements, and what factors influence these choices.
  • Who participated: 778 preschoolers aged 2-5 years old who had been diagnosed with autism through comprehensive testing. Families came from six different states: California, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. The study included mothers reporting on their child’s treatments.
  • Key finding: About one-third (roughly 33%) of autistic preschoolers in the study used some form of alternative medicine. The most common types were special diets (especially gluten-free or casein-free diets) and dietary supplements like vitamins. Children who received more standard medical services and had more behavioral or emotional challenges were more likely to use these alternative treatments.
  • What it means for you: If you’re a parent of an autistic child, know that many families explore alternative treatments alongside regular medical care. This research suggests talking openly with your doctor about any treatments you’re considering, as most alternative approaches haven’t been thoroughly tested for autism. Your doctor can help you understand which treatments have scientific support.

The Research Details

This study compared two groups of preschoolers: those diagnosed with autism and a comparison group. Researchers collected information from mothers about all the treatments their children had received, including regular medical care, prescription medications, and alternative treatments like special diets and supplements. The study took place across six different states to get a diverse sample of families. Mothers answered questions about what treatments their children had ever tried, and researchers then looked for patterns in who used alternative treatments and why.

The researchers used a statistical method called Poisson regression to identify which factors were most strongly connected to using alternative treatments. This method helps identify patterns while accounting for other factors that might influence the results. By comparing families who used alternative treatments with those who didn’t, researchers could identify what characteristics or circumstances made alternative treatment use more likely.

Understanding why families choose alternative treatments is important because it helps doctors have better conversations with parents about their child’s care. When doctors understand the reasons families explore these options—like wanting to try everything possible or dealing with difficult behaviors—they can provide better guidance. This approach, called shared decision-making, respects parents’ concerns while helping them understand which treatments have scientific evidence behind them.

This study has several strengths: it included a large number of families (778), came from multiple states across the country, and used a structured comparison between groups. However, the study relied on mothers remembering and reporting past treatments, which can sometimes be incomplete or inaccurate. The study shows associations (which treatments go together) but cannot prove that one thing causes another. Additionally, the study only looked at preschoolers, so findings may not apply to older autistic children.

What the Results Show

Approximately one-third of the autistic preschoolers in this study had used some form of alternative medicine at some point. This is a significant finding because it shows that alternative treatments are fairly common in families with autistic children.

The most frequently used alternative treatments were special diets. Gluten-free and casein-free diets (removing wheat and dairy products) were by far the most popular dietary approaches. After special diets, dietary supplements—such as vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional products—were the next most common type of alternative treatment used.

The study found that certain factors made alternative treatment use more likely. Children who received higher numbers of conventional services (like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or behavioral therapy) were more likely to also use alternative treatments. Similarly, preschoolers who had more behavioral and emotional problems were more likely to use alternative treatments. This suggests that families dealing with more complex situations or more challenging symptoms may be more likely to explore additional options beyond standard care.

Importantly, the research shows that families were using alternative treatments alongside regular medical care, not instead of it. This means most families were being ‘complementary’ in their approach—adding alternative treatments to their regular care—rather than ‘alternative’ in the strict sense of replacing regular care entirely.

The study found that the use of alternative treatments was connected to the intensity of a child’s needs. Children receiving more standard medical services and therapies were more likely to also use alternative treatments, suggesting that families with more complex situations were exploring multiple approaches. The connection between behavioral and emotional problems and alternative treatment use suggests that families struggling with challenging behaviors may be seeking additional solutions.

Previous research has shown that alternative treatments are commonly used in families with autistic children, though estimates vary. This study’s finding that about one-third use some form of alternative medicine is consistent with other research showing widespread use. The focus on special diets and supplements matches what other studies have found. This research adds to our understanding by showing that alternative treatments are typically used alongside—not instead of—conventional care, which is an important distinction that helps clarify how families actually approach autism treatment.

This study has several important limitations to consider. First, it relied on mothers remembering and reporting treatments from the past, which can be incomplete or inaccurate. Second, the study only looked at preschoolers aged 2-5, so the findings may not apply to older autistic children whose treatment patterns might be different. Third, while the study shows which factors are associated with alternative treatment use, it cannot prove that these factors actually cause families to choose alternative treatments—only that they tend to go together. Finally, the study only included families from six states, so results may not represent all families across the entire United States.

The Bottom Line

Parents should discuss any alternative treatments they’re considering with their child’s doctor before starting them. This conversation is important because most alternative treatments for autism haven’t been thoroughly tested in scientific studies. For treatments like special diets, doctors can help monitor whether they’re actually helping your child and can watch for any nutritional deficiencies. When considering supplements, ask your doctor about safety, proper dosing, and potential interactions with any medications your child takes. The strongest evidence for helping autistic children comes from behavioral therapies and educational services, so these should remain the foundation of treatment plans.

This research is most relevant for parents and caregivers of autistic preschoolers (ages 2-5) who are making treatment decisions. Pediatricians, developmental specialists, and other healthcare providers caring for autistic children should also pay attention to this research, as it helps them understand what families are doing and why. Teachers and early intervention specialists working with autistic preschoolers may also find this information helpful for understanding family choices. The findings are less directly applicable to families with older autistic children, though some patterns may be similar.

If you’re considering trying an alternative treatment, give it at least 4-8 weeks to see if it makes a noticeable difference in your child’s behavior or development, while staying in close contact with your doctor. However, if you notice any negative effects—like allergic reactions, digestive problems, or behavioral changes—stop immediately and contact your healthcare provider. Remember that some changes in development happen naturally over time, so it can be hard to know if a treatment is actually helping or if your child would have improved anyway.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track any alternative treatments your child uses (diet changes, supplements, special therapies) along with weekly notes on specific behaviors you’re monitoring, such as sleep quality, eating habits, focus during activities, or frequency of challenging behaviors. Rate each behavior on a simple scale (1-5) weekly to see if patterns emerge.
  • Use the app to create a simple treatment plan that lists all current treatments (both conventional and alternative) in one place. Set reminders for giving supplements or following diet changes, and log any side effects or concerns to discuss with your doctor at the next appointment.
  • Maintain a long-term log comparing your child’s progress across different areas (communication, behavior, learning, social skills) month-to-month. This helps you and your doctor objectively see what’s working. If you try a new treatment, mark the start date clearly so you can later review whether changes in your child’s development happened before, during, or after starting that treatment.

This research describes what families are currently doing, not what they should do. Alternative treatments for autism have not been thoroughly tested in scientific studies, and some may not be safe or effective. Always consult with your child’s pediatrician or developmental specialist before starting any new treatment, supplement, or diet change. Do not stop or replace prescribed medications or evidence-based therapies without medical guidance. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If your child experiences any adverse effects from any treatment, stop immediately and contact your healthcare provider.