Autism: what we know about treatments people ask about

How far testing has got

The step says how far testing has got, not that it works.

• Cannabis and cannabinoids (CBD, THC)

  Tested in large studies that compare groups of patients. This says how far testing has got, not that it works.

  Phase 3 or randomised controlled trial on record. The rung shows the stage reached; the result is listed separately.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 105 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Large trials

• High-dose vitamin C

  Tested in large studies that compare groups of patients. This says how far testing has got, not that it works.

  Phase 3 or randomised controlled trial on record. The rung shows the stage reached; the result is listed separately.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 21 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Large trials

• Ketogenic diet

  Tested in large studies that compare groups of patients. This says how far testing has got, not that it works.

  Phase 3 or randomised controlled trial on record. The rung shows the stage reached; the result is listed separately.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 45 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Large trials

• Melatonin

  Tested in large studies that compare groups of patients. This says how far testing has got, not that it works.

  Phase 3 or randomised controlled trial on record. The rung shows the stage reached; the result is listed separately.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 101 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Large trials

• Metformin

  Tested in large studies that compare groups of patients. This says how far testing has got, not that it works.

  Phase 3 or randomised controlled trial on record. The rung shows the stage reached; the result is listed separately.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 29 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Large trials

• Statins

  Tested in large studies that compare groups of patients. This says how far testing has got, not that it works.

  Phase 3 or randomised controlled trial on record. The rung shows the stage reached; the result is listed separately.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 11 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Large trials

• Vitamin D

  Tested in large studies that compare groups of patients. This says how far testing has got, not that it works.

  Phase 3 or randomised controlled trial on record. The rung shows the stage reached; the result is listed separately.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 136 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Large trials

• Curcumin (turmeric)

  Single case reports or observations in people. These cannot show whether it helps.

  Case reports, observational data, or pooled data without a reported benefit.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 6 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Reports in people

• Hyperthermia

  Single case reports or observations in people. These cannot show whether it helps.

  Case reports, observational data, or pooled data without a reported benefit.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 3 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Reports in people

• Fasting and fasting-mimicking diet

  Tested in animals only. Many things that work in animals do not work in people.

  In-vivo animal studies only.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 3 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Animal studies only

Not medical advice. Talk to the care team before changing treatment. Thinking of paying for it? Read this first