Interventions used with an Australian sample of preschool children with autism spectrum disorders

This study examined the previous and current range of educational, therapy, medical and CAM interventions used by a clearly described Australian sample of 84 families of preschool-aged children with autism spectrum disorders who were enrolled in a controlled trial of early intervention services. With regard to educational and therapy interventions, the most frequently used services were speech–language pathology, preschool and childcare, generic early intervention, and occupational therapy. With the exception of preschool and childcare, the access frequency for most of these services indicated they were used at relatively low intensity. Exclusion diets, oils/fatty acids and vitamin and mineral supplements were the primary CAM interventions used by families. There was no clear evidence of a relationship between the number of interventions used by families and developmental status although this may have been due to the relatively recent diagnoses. Implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.

Research highlights
► Study examined interventions used by an Australian sample of 84 families of preschool children with ASD.
► Most educational and therapy services were used at relatively low intensity.
► Exclusion diets, oils/fatty acids and supplements were the primary CAM interventions.
► Families typically used combinations of empirically supported and non-supported interventions.