Many parents have lost confidence in the ability of doctors to identify and treat autism.

This paper reports the results of a survey designed to measure parents' beliefs about autism and how those beliefs affect their relationships with their doctors. The survey included mostly middle and upper income families who chose to attend an autism meeting. Most of the parents in the survey had tried many therapies. Many parents were upset that there is no proven treatment for autism other than intensive behavioral therapy (such as ABA). The authors recommend that doctors ask parents about any alternative treatments that are being used in order to build a trusting relationship with the parents.