Naturopathic and Integrative Claims for ADHD and Autism: What Is Known and Cautions

Families, and adults with ADHD or autism, are often offered a long list of natural or alternative treatments. This page sets out what the research shows, specific approach by specific approach. It is information only. For a medical emergency in the US, call 911. If a child may have swallowed a supplement, chemical or medicine, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. See also poison help by country.

Start with your child's clinician

NCCIH advises talking to your child's health care provider to assess what, if any, complementary approach would help, because children may respond differently. [1] It notes that few complementary approaches have been studied for children, and that taking too much of a supplement or substituting supplements for prescription medicines can be harmful and even life-threatening. [1] Do not stop an ADHD or other prescribed medicine on your own.

Standard ADHD treatments include medication and psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy, parent training and school interventions. [2] For autism, NCCIH lists behavioral interventions, social skills training and speech and occupational therapy, and says early interventions and supports can greatly enhance a child's development. [1] Autism spans a range of abilities and strengths that can change over a lifetime. [1]

ADHD: what is known

1. St. John's wort

   Moderate

   Current evidence suggests it is no better than placebo, and it can weaken the effects of many medicines. [3] [6]

   No good evidence of benefit; interaction risk

2. Omega-3 fatty acids

   Unclear

   NCCIH says current evidence is inconclusive on whether they help ADHD symptoms. [3] A 2013 meta-analysis found small but significant reductions even with probably blinded assessments. [4] A 2017 review of meta-analyses said the small average effects mean they are unlikely to make a tangible contribution. [5]

   Mixed

3. Artificial food color exclusion and restricted elimination diets

   Unclear

   The 2013 meta-analysis found larger effects for color exclusion but often in children selected for food sensitivities, and said better blinded evidence is needed for restricted elimination diets. [4] The 2017 review said more research on color elimination is required before advising it. [5]

   Mixed

4. Acupuncture

   Unclear

   Insufficient evidence to draw conclusions in children and adolescents. [3]

   Insufficient evidence

5. Exercise, including yoga

   Unclear

   Short-term aerobic exercise, including yoga, has shown small-to-moderate beneficial effects on core symptoms. [3]

   Promising but limited

6. Neurofeedback

   Unclear

   Evidence is mixed. [3]

   Mixed

7. Homeopathy

   Unclear

   No evidence that homeopathic products help. [6]

   No good evidence of benefit

8. Melatonin (for sleep)

   Unclear

   Limited evidence from rigorous trials in young people with ADHD. [3]

   Insufficient evidence

NCCIH's overall conclusion is that none of these has been conclusively shown to be more effective than conventional therapies. [3] See meditation for ADHD, yoga for ADHD and ADHD in adults.

Naturopathic and integrative care as a whole

Proper evidence not found for whole-system naturopathic care as a treatment for ADHD or autism. A PubMed search for naturopathic care with ADHD or autism returned two records, neither a trial of naturopathic treatment. Practitioners differ in training. NCCIH describes licensed naturopathic physicians as completing graduate-level education at an accredited naturopathic medical school, traditional naturopaths as training through varied non-accredited programs, and scope of practice as varying by state. [9] Pediatricians, psychologists and therapists also have their own training and rules. See credentials and scope of practice and naturopathic and integrative care for children. For vaccine questions, use health authorities: vaccines and naturopathic care. We do not list or rank practitioners.

Red flags

Be cautious of any offer that promises to "cure" autism, requires stopping medicines or therapy, sells a product to remove "toxins," or asks for an IV, injection or detox program. Ask the questions in how to evaluate a therapy claim.