Story perspectives

Study Debunks Effectiveness of Alternative Autism Treatments

1/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A comprehensive analysis finds no strong evidence that complementary and alternative autism treatments are effective.
Researchers from Paris Nanterre University, Paris Cité University, and the University of Southampton reviewed 248 meta-analyses totaling over 10,000 participants.
Many treatments, including animal-assisted therapies and acupuncture, lacked adequate safety evaluations.
The study notes a need for rigorous trials before endorsing any of these therapies.

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Story summary

A comprehensive analysis finds no strong evidence that complementary and alternative autism treatments are effective.
Researchers from Paris Nanterre University, Paris Cité University, and the University of Southampton reviewed 248 meta-analyses totaling over 10,000 participants.
Many treatments, including animal-assisted therapies and acupuncture, lacked adequate safety evaluations.
The study notes a need for rigorous trials before endorsing any of these therapies.