Intervention in autism: a brief review of the literature

Abstract

Purpose

There are many treatments and interventions available to families and carers of children with autism, many without any solid evidence base. This paper aims to present and discuss the literature on some of the commonly used and better researched interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

Research literature drawing on systematic reviews in particular, where available, was collated and summarised under the subheadings of psycho‐educational, psycho‐pharmacological, and complementary interventions or therapies.

Findings

There are very few interventions that have a solid research base. Even those with the strongest evidence base, such as early intensive behavioural intervention, have not necessarily been found to have a universally positive impact. Recent studies have been methodologically stronger, but there are still many weaknesses in the research to date.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to provide a balanced and independent view of the literature on different interventions for autism.

Citation

Mills, R. and Marchant, S. (2011), "Intervention in autism: a brief review of the literature", Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 20-35. https://doi.org/10.1108/13595471111172822