Research summaries for autism therapy: evidence-based medicine (EBM)

definition of evidence-based medicine (EBM): Medical decisions that are based entirely upon data from well-controlled and well-designed scientific studies. The more positive studies available, the stronger the evidence behind the medicine. Consequently, a few case studies are not considered to be enough scientific evidence to support a therapeutic practice as evidence-based.
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Applied Behavior Analytic Interventions for Children with Autism: A Description and Review of Treatment Research, Summarized Jun 10, 2010

It may help children with autism if psychiatrists learn about applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy and learn how to work with ABA therapists.

Most autism therapies have not been studied using evidence-based scientific research. This article reviews ABA therapy for children with autism and the research that supports its use. The article also describes how ABA can be used with psychiatry. The authors note that the most gains are found when ABA is used 30 to 40 hours per week as per the early intensive behavioral intervention model. The early intensive behavioral intervention model is also known for working on all areas of functioning where the child has problems.

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Systematic Review of Pharmacological Treatments in Fragile X Syndrome, Summarized Apr 29, 2010

There is no good evidence to support the use of pharmacological treatments or supplements in people with Fragile X Syndrome in general or those with a diagnosis of Fragile X Syndrome and autism.

This article reviews the research on drug therapy for the treatment of symptoms of Fragile X Syndrome. Most of the studies that they reviewed were very small and therefore it was hard for the studies to see an effect from the drug if such an effect did exist. Most of the studies were also poorly designed. The authors noted that a poorly designed folic acid study showed promise that folic acid supplements (10 mg/day) may raise the IQ of young children with Fragile X syndrome. Read more...

Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review, Summarized Apr 6, 2010

There is currently not enough scientific evidence to determine if omega-3 fatty acids are safe and effective as a treatment for autism.

Omega-3 fatty acids are often used as a treatment for autism. This article reviews all published studies on the treatment effects of omega-3 fatty acids in children with autism. While there are no concrete studies that show that omega-3 fatty acids help with autism, the supplement appears to be safe. The studies that have been done so far raise hope that omega -3 fatty acids may help with autism and these studies should be followed with more research. The authors suggest that patients discuss the use of omega-3 fatty acids with their doctors before starting to use them.

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Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Search for Effective Methods, Summarized Feb 15, 2010

Individualized programs based on the needs of the child and family may help the successful education of children with autism.

This article describes the best use of programs designed to teach children with autism. The authors talked about how the most effective programs may be geared to the needs of the child. Choosing the type of therapy and intervention may best consider possible effectiveness of the therapy based on current research evidence. Different options might work better for different children, families, schools, and communities. The authors also said that measuring progress is an important part of a successful plan.

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Synonyms for evidence-based medicine (EBM) include: evidence, evidence-based, evidence-based teaching, evidence-based therapy, well designed studies, well designed study, well-designed studies, well-designed study
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