This site has some research summaries documenting that brain-based biofeedback is a highly effective treatment for autism. There is replicated and controlled research, some published in peer-review journals, or about to be.

Please see www.PABiofeedback.org for info on the upcoming Autism and Biofeedback professional conference featuring these leading researchers.
Gary Ames

Actually, the list was compiled based more on “what’s most likely to be offered and/or available” in terms of treatments — not “what’s most effective.” In fact, there’s really no good way to know in advance what’s likely to most useful or effective for any given person with autism.

Also, so far as I can see, only ABA and risperdal have gone through the full gamut of double blind placebo-based testing… others have been tested in various ways, but not in the most rigorous manner. Even so, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend either ABA or risperdal for everyone!!

Re RDI and Floortime: they are, indeed, included as “developmental treatments,” as is Sonrise, Play Project, etc. I happen to be a floortimer myself, so wouldn’t neglect it! (On my site, the original article has links to long articles on each type of therapy!)

All the best,

Lisa Rudy (About.com Guide to Autism)