Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Attending Five Autism Centres in Arab Countries: Associations with Sociodemographic Factors and Health Literacy

Healthcare (Basel). 2026 Oct 8;14(19):3351. doi: 10.3390/healthcare14193351.

ABSTRACT

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies are commonly used among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study aimed to examine parental attitudes toward CAM, in addition to patterns of its use and associated factors among children with ASD in Arab countries. Methods: In this cross-sectional survey, 142 questionnaires from five Arab countries (Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA], Kuwait, Jordan, and Libya) were analysed. Results: The most reported CAM modalities included dietary supplements such as multivitamins and fish oil, as well as the questionnaire item labelled “holding therapy”. The main reason for CAM use reported by parents was the desire to try all possible therapy options for their child and reduce stress (35.5%), followed by improving their child’s quality of life (32.6%). The regression models showed that better verbal ability was associated with greater use of these therapies (use of short/complex sentences vs. does not talk: biologically based therapies, OR = 5.35, 95% CI 1.58-18.56; mind and body practices, OR = 4.30, 95% CI 1.66-11.23). The models also showed an association between the male sex and the use of mind and body practices (OR = 3.28, 95% CI 1.23-8.92). Conclusions: CAM use was common in this sample. Healthcare professionals should provide balanced, evidence-based information and encourage non-judgmental discussion of CAM use. Improving health literacy and access to reliable information may support safer decision-making.

PMID:42881790 | DOI:10.3390/healthcare14193351