Featured Interventions
Every month we will feature a different intervention on the home page of our website.
We are doing this in order to raise awareness of the intervention but also to let you know what we think about it .
We rate each intervention according to the amount and quality of scientific evidence which has been published in peer-reviewed journals that supports or does not support the effectiveness of that intervention. We also provide information on whether each intervention is considered to be hazardous
If you would like to tell us what you think about this intervention please email info@researchautism.net We may include what you tell us in our entry – but we won’t use what you tell us to change the ranking.
You can also suggest which interventions we should feature in future months.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Disclaimer: the fact that we have featured an intervention does not necessarily mean that we support its use.
March 2012
If you have any suggestions for which intervention we should feature in March 2012 please email info@researchautism.net
February 2012
Risperidone
Risperidone is a type of atypical antipsychotic medication sold under a variety of brand names inc. Belivon® Rispen® and Risperdal®
It is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other mental health problems.
Risperidone is sometimes used to treat various problems faced by people with autism, including irritability, repetitive behaviours and hyperactivity.
Our ranking for this intervention 
More information about this intervention
- Basic version – brief summary and opinion
- Intermediate version – more information inc. links to peer-reviewed studies
- Advanced version – most detailed version inc. analysis of the research
January 2012
Facilitated Communication
Facilitated communication is a form of Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) in which people develop their pointing skills in order to communicate with other people.
Facilitated communication involves a communication partner, typically called a facilitator, who physically supports the individual so that he can point to pictures, symbols, letters and/or words using a computer keyboard or letter/picturebooks. By doing this, the individual can demonstrate what he wants to communicate.
This assumes that many of the difficulties faced by people with autism are due to a movement disorder rather than social or communication deficits.
Our ranking for this intervention 
More information about this intervention
- Basic version – brief summary and opinion
- Intermediate version – more information inc. links to peer-reviewed studies
- Advanced version – most detailed version inc. analysis of the research
December 2011
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone and neurotransmitter which regulates our biological clock. Some people with autism appear to have problems benefiting from their own melatonin
This may take the form of not producing enough, producing it at the wrong times, or the brain not being sensitive enough to the melatonin that is there. This can lead to sleep disturbances and subsequent emotional and behavioural problems.
This is why some people with autism take melatonin supplements.
Our ranking for this intervention
More information about this intervention
- Basic version – brief summary and opinion
- Intermediate version – more information inc. links to peer-reviewed studies
- Advanced version – most detailed version inc. analysis of the research
November 2011
Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention
Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention is a highly structured and intense intervention in which a child is taught a range of skills by a team of therapists. The therapists break down the skills into small tasks that are considered to be achievable and which are taught in a very structured manner.
Desired behaviour, such as use of language or socialisation, is positively reinforced and accompanied by lots of praise. Negative behaviour, such as self harm or aggression towards others, is not reinforced. For example, a child who hurts himself in order to gain attention would be prevented from hurting himself and the therapists might stop talking to the child until he showed a more desirable behaviour.
Our ranking for this intervention
More information about this intervention
- Basic version – brief summary and opinion
- Intermediate version – more information inc. links to peer-reviewed studies
- Advanced version – most detailed version inc. analysis of the research
Related Links
- Interventions, Treatments and Therapies for Autism
- Treatments and Therapies for Autism Currently Under Scientific Evaluation by Research Autism
- Interventions under Evaluation by Research Autism: Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated : 03/02/2012 Back to Top
