ONE in three parents of a child with autism has tried interventions with no scientific basis in a desperate attempt to help their offspring, according to a new survey.

Copper bracelets, injections and electronic plug-ins which release chemicals into the air for the child to breathe are among the remedies parents have tried.

Some parents have hired behavioural therapists or spent hundreds of hours trying to teach their children the rules of social behaviour.

The survey of 1,000 parents was conducted online by the research charity Autistica.

Olivia Curno, spokesperson for the charity, said: "Parents see their friends' children developing and wonder why their own do not respond."

Irish Independent