A series of reviews published today in the journal Pediatrics have claimed that there is no evidence to prove that most autism treatments are effective. Researchers added that behavioral intervention like speech therapy and play dates help in improvement of learning, language skills and overall behavior.
According to government data, nearly 1 percent of children in the United States have an autism spectrum disorder. People with this disorder have difficulty interacting with and understanding the emotions of others. Autistic children are often treated with behavioral therapy starting at a young age. The therapy intensified as they get older.
Researchers reviewed data from all studies done in the last decade on the effectiveness of a range of medications and therapies which are used to reduce autism. The researchers also said that anti-depressants such as Prozac and Celexa or the stimulant drug Ritalin also do not help kids with autism.
Dr. Bryan King, the director of Seattle Children’s Autism Center, said that around 70 percent of kids with autism are given medicine for treatment. Autism affects many children in developing nations as well and many researchers are trying to come up with therapies to detect and treat it at an early age. The website for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has put the detailed research on its website.
