Description: An intervention in which the child is placed on medication to reduce fungal infections in the intestine. May also be accompanied by a low-sugar diet.
Examples: Diflucan (fluconazole), Nystatin
Research Summary: There have been no scientific studies of anti-fungal or anti-yeast therapies for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
Recommendations: Researchers may wish to conduct studies with strong scientific designs to evaluate anti-fungal medication. Professionals should present anti-fungal medication as untested as a treatment for autism spectrum disorders, and should encourage families who are considering this intervention to evaluate its effects and side-effects carefully.
Systematic reviews of scientific studies:
Levy, S. E., & Hyman, S. L. (2015). Complementary and alternative medicine treatments for children with autism spectrum disorders. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 24(1), 117-143.
