There is fear and mystery associated with autism. This led to all sorts to alternative methodologies you will read about if you type “autism” in the Google search box. But you know your child and you are not afraid of her. Some social skills that most people learn organically she needs to be taught. Ask yourself if an emulsion made out of a wild donkey’s fat is going to help her with that.

Beware of the greed. If a professional recommends treatment they will personally benefit financially from, and the treatment is not recommended by the mainstream academic community you probably don’t need to spend your money on it.

You have only so much energy. So if you are doing something that hasn’t been scientifically proven effective, you are not doing something that has.

It is possible, you will have to push against some friends and relatives who keep inquiring why you are not using this or that alternative methodology. Equip yourself with links to reputable resources which contain information on the effectiveness of the methodology in question. And don’t doubt yourself: remember, you can only do so much.

If you decide to use a methodology that has not been recommended by the mainstream academic community but you feel will be useful, check that it is non-invasive and is not recommended against by them. Even if the methodology is not very effective it can be useful for your child to spend time with the therapist providing it. But don’t use anything that is advised against as potentially harmful.