In recent months, various social media platforms and websites have increasingly disseminated unverified medical and herbal products purported to treat autism spectrum disorders.

Certain pages are advocating these so-called cures, claiming they can fundamentally eradicate autism, a condition that affects millions globally.

Health professionals have raised alarms about the dangers of pursuing such dubious claims, highlighting potential adverse health effects on children that can arise from using these untested remedies.

Experts argue that the most effective approach to manage autism involves early intervention based on scientific principles, familial support, and embracing autism as part of human diversity rather than a disorder necessitating a cure.

The spread of misleading health information is compounded by social media's rapid information-sharing capabilities; false claims can achieve viral status, with claims that merely serve to provide false hope concerning miraculous cures contributing to community discussion.

The Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination has cautioned families against falling prey to advertisements or entities promoting unapproved treatments or programs for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

It underscored that any therapeutic or rehabilitative interventions must originate from trusted, officially accredited health authorities to ensure the well-being of children and to avoid any health or psychological risks stemming from misleading or unscientific information.

Dr. Hani Al-Hindawi, a pediatrician, warned against the growing tendency for parents of children with autism to resort to these online remedies, describing them as misleading and potentially dangerous.

He stated that scientific recommendations do not endorse specific treatments for autism due to a lack of proven efficacy, suggesting that treatment protocols should instead focus on behavioral programs tailored to individual needs.

Al-Hindawi also highlighted a concerning trend where families expose their children to harmful health outcomes due to products purchased through social media, with reports detailing detrimental effects surfacing as a result of such practices.

In the UAE, parents facing the diagnosis of autism often encounter significant challenges, including lengthy waiting lists for services, variable quality of care, and high costs associated with private-sector treatment.

Despite commendable advances in raising autism awareness and providing early intervention, gaps remain regarding accessibility to services and community support.

Dr. Emad Farag, a consultant for child and adolescent mental health, noted that many families turn to social media seeking guidance, often encountering exaggerated narratives regarding miracle cures that claim to transform the lives of affected children.

The pressure for a quick fix, combined with the stigma associated with disabilities, propels parents towards unverified solutions, driven by a deep-seated desire to assist their children.

In many cases, the emotional and financial toll from these experiences becomes substantial, particularly when treatments yield no results, leading to feelings of frustration and guilt among parents.

Farag pointed out that unapproved alternative treatments can include harmful substances and aggressive dietary restrictions, which, lacking professional oversight, may pose severe health risks, such as malnutrition or other complications.

Additionally, he indicated that exposing children to repeated stressful or painful treatments can foster anxiety and loss of trust, with the fear of the experience remaining long after the treatment has ended.

The UAE has made notable progress in formulating supportive policies for individuals with disabilities, creating specialized centers for autism, and enhancing public awareness.

Nevertheless, there remains an urgent need to promote reliable health education and regulate online health content effectively.

Access to empathetic and scientific support, particularly early in the diagnosis, could diminish the likelihood of parents resorting to harmful treatments.

The Emirates Center for Autism reported numerous instances where families have exhausted resources on ineffective treatments, highlighting concerns over the emotional toll and mistrust created when families discover the ineffectiveness of these approaches.

The center emphasizes the importance of educating families regarding safe and scientifically backed interventions.

Pediatric integration specialist Zeinab Khalfan added that although no definitive treatments exist for autism, early and intensive intervention methods can significantly improve outcomes for affected individuals.

While studies have not pinpointed specific cures, they have demonstrated the effectiveness of structured support and integration mechanisms in fostering life quality improvements for children with autism.