Autism spectrum disorder - Emerging treatments

Music therapy

The provision of specialist music therapy has some evidence of efficacy, supporting its use in the facilitation of improved socio-communication in children with ASD, although the largest randomized controlled trial on this failed to note an improvement in the core symptoms of ASD following 5 months of music therapy.[308][309] The emphasis is on music therapy applied with specialist academic and clinical training.

Antipsychotics to address core symptoms of ASD

Risperidone and aripiprazole, which are currently used within clinical practice for irritability in some people with ASD, have in some studies demonstrated modest efficacy for the management of core symptoms such as repetitive behaviors and social communication difficulties.[218][220][310][311][312] However, these studies focused on people with high levels of irritability and it is unclear whether the results are as effective in people with ASD without irritability. In view of this uncertainty, and the potential for adverse effects, routine use is not recommended.

Intranasal oxytocin

Intranasal oxytocin showed promise in preliminary trials for improving social cognition in both adults and children with ASD, although subsequent results have been mixed, and more evidence is required on its long-term safety.[313][314][315][316][317][318][319] Several larger trials of oxytocin are ongoing. Note that the concept of a medication targeted against the core symptoms of ASD may be controversial for some people on the autism spectrum and for their families.

Other interventions

Some other treatments have been suggested to be of benefit to children with ASD and their families. However, there is a lack of research evidence to support their use. Some interventions, therapies, or medications may be of benefit, but research-based evidence is lacking. For example, in the US, Floortime (a method developed to help young children with ASD develop further along their emotional milestones) is frequently used, but research evidence of benefits is limited to a noncontrolled study. Other approaches are nonevidence-based and unlikely to result in benefit. Some suggested treatments may cause harm. Clinicians and parents are advised to discuss treatment approaches with experts or to follow standard guidance from national protocols. Websites of mainstream ASD charities or parent groups generally contain a critique of approaches and can be helpful in allowing clinicians and parents to appraise evidence and expert opinion.[161] Many websites offer hope of cure and programs that are described as effective in treating ASD; clinicians and parents are advised to interpret anecdotal or unpublished peer-reviewed research reports with caution.