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Interventions

The numbers of interventions – therapeutic approaches, philosophies, treatments, individual therapies and services – used in autism spectrum disorders are increasing . Many of these will make claims for effectiveness in excess of what is supported by the available research evidence.

Many interventions are well established, others are quite new. Some may fall out of favour, sometimes later returning in rebranded form. Some will have impressive credentials with extravagant claims based on anecdotal reports or incomplete science.

However, unless caused by a specific known medical condition such as PKU (Phenylketonuria) there is no compelling evidence to link any particular intervention or approach with prevention or ‘cure’ or ‘recovery’ of autism. The core features of autism have been shown to be resistant to intervention by whatever means, although significant improvements have been noted. It has been shown that individualised and persistent structured help, focusing on autism features and communication is helpful and can greatly improve adaptive behaviour, academic potential and reduce the disabling effects of the condition.

It is also important to attend to co morbid conditions. For example, seizures, sensory problems, anxiety or physical or mental symptoms or illnesses should all be thoroughly and expertly investigated and treated.

With a few notable exceptions, the evidence base for interventions in autism is weak. Robust, impartial research is needed to test hypotheses related to which interventions are helpful and with which individuals. People with autism may share a number of similar behavioural and other characteristics but each one is unique. Approaches must be sensitive to their uniqueness and to their individuality.

In this context, it is important that we provide impartial information about each intervention and strength of the available evidence to be effective.

This section of the website provides information about a wide range of interventions, including what they are, what they are supposed to achieve and whether there is any supporting scientific evidence behind them.

It also includes a questionnaire so you can tell us how easy it was to find high quality information about autism interventions.

Last Updated : 31/10/2008 Back to Top

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Interventions