Essay Instructions: Research Proposal, question: In what ways do complementary and alternative medical methods provide permanent treatment alternatives for autistic behavior in children (ages 3-8)?
Gaps/Problems: not evidence based, gastro issues in autistic children, do dietary supplements or specific foods trigger/attribute to behavioral patterns?
Key Words: Autism Spectrum Disorders, complementary and alternative medical methods (CAM), gastrointestinal issues, gluten-free and casein-free diets, vitamin supplements, "opioid-excess therapy", autistic behavior
Focus: to identify CAM that have been presented as a treatment option for behavioral patterns and brain development
Introduction: Complementary and alternative medicine therapies have been identified as medical practices, and products that have not been considered clinical effective (Wong, 2006). These therapies can include Gluten-free and casein- free diets, Vitamin supplements, acupuncture etc. Children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder face many difficulties, as well as their parents, when it comes to eating habits and mealtime. Some of the behavioral issues and symptoms that present in children with autism make it hard for a child to eat regularly, maintain a consistent diet, and frustrating for parents to fully understand. Unfortunately, the professional help and access is limited and it leaves many parents left in frustration and agony. When mealtime with autistic children is challenging a lot of parents are turning to preventive method or treatment options out there in exchange for a healthy and satisfied child. Many parents are turning to complementary and alternative medical methods for not only relief during mealtime but for treatments methods in their child?s behavior and brain development.
Method: Qualitative, observation, groups: children 3-8, geographic location, social economical environment, living with both parents, race specific, gender specific
Ethical Concerns: PARENTS, lack of studies create lack of evidence, complex disorder, treatment methods will work for some and not others
Anticipated Results: lack of empirical support due to adverse consequences, gluten-free and casein free, environment
Audience: parents, physicians, teachers, nurses and midlevels
References:
CDC (Centers for Diseases and Prevention)
Goldrosen, Martin H., Straus, Stephen E., Nature Reviews Immunology :4, 912-921 (November 2004) doi:10.1038/nri1486
Moore, E. Crook, T. James, J, Gonzales, D, Hakkak, R (2012). Nutrient intake among children with autism. J Nutr Disorders Ther 2:115. doi:10.4172/2161-0509.1000115
Mulloy, A, et al. Gluten-free and casein-free diets in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders (2009). doi:10.101016/j.rasd.2009.10.008
Wallace, L. (2009). What?s scoop on autism spectrum disorders and nutrition. The Exceptional Parent: 39, 2-28.
Wheeler, M. (2004). Mealtime and children on the autism spectrum: Beyond picky, fussy, and fads. The Reporter, 9 (2), 13-19.
Wong, H. Smith, R. (2006). Patterns of complementary and alternative medical therapy use in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. J Autism Dev Disord: 36, 901-909. doi:10.1007/s10-0.
** this does not have to be an actual preformed research paper, only a proposal and gathered information