Abstract
Objective: We sought to review the current scientific literature on the use of alternative therapies to improve gastrointestinal symptoms in children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Methods: This is an integrative literature review of articles published between 2009 and 2019, through the association of the descriptors: alternative and complementary therapies, intestinal microbiota and Autistic Spectrum Disorder in the databases Bireme, SciELO and PubMed. Results: Nine studies were included that demonstrated the benefits of using alternative and complementary therapies to improve gastrointestinal symptoms in children with ASD. The most used therapies were vitamin A supplementation, prebiotics / probiotics and digestive enzymes. The use of alternative and complementary therapies is shown to be a beneficial resource in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in children with ASD. Final considerations: Few studies with robust methodologies have been carried out to assess the real impact of these therapies in the treatment of these symptoms in this audience, requiring more attention to this topic, in view of their proven benefits.