This online article describes and evaluates the use of secretin, a hormone involved in digestion, as an autism intervention. It has been claimed that secretin can address gastrointestinal symptoms in people on the autism spectrum, leading to improvements in other areas.

The article indicates that the theory behind secretin is “weak and unproven,” while “overwhelmingly strong evidence” indicates that secretin is not an effective autism treatment. Some studies report that secretin has negative effects.

Research Autism was a charity funding research in autism interventions. Research Autism’s information services have been absorbed by the National Autistic Society (NAS). Founded in 1962, the NAS “provide[s] information, support and pioneering services, and campaign[s] for a better world for autistic people. [Website]