The questions about what types of treatment work best for autism are very much in the news. Information can often seem contradictory from one study to the next.
New research has been reported in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology. This research seems to indicate that treating autism with micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) instead of using medication management may produce better results.
"The clinician selected a broad-based micronutrient supplement that encompassed all known dietary vitamins and a broad spectrum of minerals and trace elements… All 14 of the known vitamins, 16 dietary minerals, 3 amino acids, and 3 antioxidants".
It is not uncommon for children with autism to engage in self-injuring behavior. Acting out in tantrums and aggression are often linked with autism.
Researchers found that the micronutrient group, taking vitamins and minerals, was less withdrawn socially. This group displayed less tantrums and aggression, and interacted better with the examiner. They were less likely to practice self-injuring behavior. They also gained less weight than the medication management group.
http://www.prohealth.com/library/showArticle.cfm?libid=15310&B1