This study has been designed to explore CAM used in the management of Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) in Mauritius. Parents and/or legal guardians of individuals with ASD were surveyed. Effectiveness, method of use, possible side-effects, reasons behind using CAM, source of recommendation, and beliefs behind the cause of ASD were studied. Out of the 23 individuals with ASD recruited, 73.9% presented with a formal diagnosis of autistic disorder while 26.1% had only traits of autism. Educational techniques (13.6%), prescribed drugs (35.6%), speech therapy interventions (15.3%), occupational therapy interventions (22.0%), and applied behavioural analysis (13.6%) were used by the individuals with ASD as common therapies. Eighteen different types CAM interventions were used by the subjects. The most used therapies were omega-3 (6.6%), vitamins (7.9%), music therapies (9.2%), sensory integration therapy (7.9%), spiritual healing (14.5%), hippotherapy (7.9%), and hydrotherapy (6.6%). The use of CAM is in common use among ASD patients.
Key words: autism; autistic spectrum disorder; complementary and alternative therapies; Mauritius
|
