Use of Beneficial Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Children with Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)

Background: In disorders such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), parents are more likely to choose unreported complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies such as vitamin therapy, physical therapy, music therapy and yoga. CAM treatments are starting to become more popular in the pediatric population. However, it’s not a discussion that most parents have with their doctor.

Objective: This study is an integrative literature review looking at the effectiveness of CAM therapies on autism and ADHD. The therapies that are focused on are music therapy for autism and physical therapy and elimination diets in children with ADHD. As well as looking at how present interventions are effective at treating autism and ADHD.

Methods: MEDLINE, Psychinfo and Academic Search Premier were searched using the keywords autism, ADHD, CAM therapy, music therapy, dietary interventions, and exercise. This integrative review of the literature will be guided by the framework of Whittemore and Knafl (2005).

Results: A review of literature found that music therapy can increase joint attention and social interaction in children with autism. Physical activity can increase executive functioning in children with ADHD and a change in dietary patterns can reduce ADHD symptoms. This study provides evidence that CAM therapies are beneficial for children and can be taken in addition to their medication.

Conclusion: This research aims to assist nursing and other health care providers in educating parents about what CAM therapies will beneficial and effective children with autism or ADHD. Further research needs to be done with larger sample sizes to generalize results.

Key words: autism, ADHD, CAM therapy, music therapy, dietary interventions, and exercise