Dietary Supplement Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Pediatric Autism: Physician Based Perception, Knowledge and Involvement
Authors: Trudeau Melanie , Madden Robyn , Korchemagin Yegor , Shearer Jane 
Published: June 2021

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of heterogeneous chronic neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by qualitative impairments in social interaction, communication, and repetitive stereotyped patterns of behavior, and is quoted as being the fastest growing developmental disorder in the United States affecting an estimated 1 in 45 children. In addition to conventional treatment options, some parents of children with autism seek out supplement based complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to treat autistic symptoms.

Purpose

This study describes the use of CAM in children between the ages of 4 to 14 years with and without ASD. Data from this study aims to: (1) provide a more clear understanding of the prevalence and types of supplement therapies used; (2) increase awareness of the use of CAM therapies in children to provide better integrative care; (3) inform public health professionals of common and potentially harmful CAM therapies in ASD to guide public initiatives; and (4) assess patient‐physician communication and interactions surrounding CAM use.

Methodology

This population‐based, survey sample evaluated children with and without ASD (4 to 14 years) in regards to supplement use. Participants were recruited from educational and physical activity programs to complete a questionnaire. Primary caregivers provided information on current CAM use and their perceived physician knowledge of CAM administration. Data evaluates the proportion of children that use supplement therapies, the types of supplements used, reasons for use, perceived safety, and demographic factors associated with use (e.g. income, parental education, severity of disorder). In a second, follow‐up survey, physicians of children were asked to answer a questionnaire on CAM use in their patients‐‐. In particular, it examined the relationship between the parent and child's physician in terms of perceived parental and physician comfort in discussing supplements, parental disclosure of supplements, and physician knowledge of autism and supplements.

Results

Preliminary results indicate that 50% of children with ASD are taking supplements, compared to only 33% of children without ASD. The most common supplement used was a multivitamin (46%), the use of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), B vitamins, and dietary fiber use were also found. Health care professionals were the most common information source regarding supplements and the majority of parents reported disclosing all supplement use to their child's primary health provider. All parents, both in the autism and control group, indicated that they perceived supplements as being safe. In conclusion, the use of supplement therapies in children with ASD is common and highlights the need for further research with respect to treatment communication, knowledge, and education.

Support or Funding Information

Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.