Questions to consider before beginning new therapies or interventions

1. What research is available on the use of the treatment with children with autism?
2. Has the research involved a reasonable sample of at least 20-30 people?
3. Did all of the people in the research have Autism Spectrum Disorder according to international diagnostic criteria?
4. What was the level of functioning of the children involved in the study?
5. Is it clear what medical or scientific theory the treatment is based on?
6. Is it clear what the treatment involves?
7. Could the therapy harm my child?
8. What do the proponents of the therapy claim it can do for children with autism?
9. Can the therapy be integrated into the rest of my child’s program?
10. Is there a review or evaluation method?
11. How much will it cost in financial terms?
12. How much will it cost in time?
13. How will the treatment affect the rest of the family?
14. Are there any known side effects?
15. What are the possibilities and consequences of failure of the treatment?
16. Do the proponents of the method have a financial stake in its success?
17. Have other parents of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder tried the therapy?

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