Fad, Pseudoscientific, and Controversial Interventions

Abstract

This chapter is in response to the ongoing need to understand why people affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continue toward unsupported, refuted, or sometimes bizarre treatments. The aim of this chapter is to support professionals and other stakeholders to avoid fad, controversial, and pseudoscientific interventions in ASD by outlaying the tools of science and pseudo science in ways that support critical analysis of claims about interventions for learners with ASD. Specific attention is dedicated to contrasting science with pseudo science as well as some related psychological phenomenon and errors in thinking that stimulate irrational thought and behavior. Various historical and contemporary examples also are reviewed to illustrate the characteristics, dangers, and persistence of fads and pseudo science in ASD. Implications for professionals and families also are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)