Alternative treatments in autism spectrum disorders: A bibliographical review between 2000 and 2016.

Abstract

The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders comprises a wide variety of patients who, in spite of having individual differences, show two main characteristics: a limited social interaction, and restricted and repetitive behavioral patterns. The aim of this article is to review different treatments used in the autistic field as well as to mention some findings that intend to prove the efficacy of treatment outcomes. Through a bibliographical review between 2000 and 2016 using the databases PsycInfo, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Psicodoc and PsycARTICLES, the outcomes highlight that behavioral treatments are the most well-supported interventions by the scientific community. Moreover, an early intervention, a high intensity and structuring, parent participation, and linguistic treatment are essential characteristics of an effective intervention.