Be Aware of Dangerous Products Claiming to Treat Autism

Products or treatments claiming to cure autism are deceptive and misleading, because there is no cure for autism. The same applies to many products claiming to “treat” autism or associated symptoms and complaints. Some may also carry significant health risks.

About autism

Autism, characterized by problems with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, repetitive behavior and restricted interests, is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Neurodevelopmental means it originates in problems arising during development of the brain and nervous system. Autism is essentially only one of a group of disorders called autism spectrum disorders (ASD), sharing a broad range of common symptoms but differing in their distribution and severity. Others include Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (this article uses autism to refer to all autism spectrum disorders).

Although symptoms begin within the first 3 years of life, diagnosis is generally made around age 4, and the disorder persists throughout life. Autism is detected in among every 68 children, approximately 1 is affected. Autism occurs across all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups and is approximately 4 times more common in boys: among every 42 boys, 1 is affected, while among every 189 girls, 1 is affected.

There is currently no blood test, imaging method or genetic test for diagnosing autism. Diagnosis can be made through assessment by pediatricians and child psychiatrists and various developmental tests administered in suspected cases.

Children with autism are identified by these signs and symptoms

Difficulty with social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive and obsessive behaviors. These behaviors may range from mild to disabling. Some autistic children function better, while others may have significant cognitive and developmental delays.

Between autism and other conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), there may be overlapping symptoms , so it is important for treatment to focus on the individual’s specific needs. Current behavioral interventionsare designed to address specific symptoms, particularly communication problems, and may provide improvement. Early intervention is key.

Some approved drugs may help reduce autism symptoms. For example, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved antipsychotics such as risperidone (for patients aged 5 to 16) and aripiprazole (for patients aged 6 to 17) to treat irritability (nervousness, becoming angry quickly) associated with autistic disorder. Consult your doctor before using any behavioral intervention or drug treatment claimed to treat or improve autism.

Today, however, we frequently encounter articles, promotions and rumors making inappropriate claims about treating autism or associated symptoms. Some of these supposed treatments carry significant health risks.

Risky supposed treatments

Chelation Therapies

These products claim to cleanse by binding toxic chemicals and heavy metals and removing them from circulation and the body. They may appear as sprays, suppositories, capsules, liquid drops or clay baths. Some chelating agents are genuinely used in medicine, but under medical supervision for acute poisoning conditions such as lead poisoning and iron overload, and have no connection to treating autism.

Supposed chelation treatments for autism may have serious and life-threatening consequences , such as chelating important minerals the body needs.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

This involves breathing oxygen in a pressurized chamber and is approved only for certain medical conditions, such as decompression sickness in divers, carbon monoxide poisoning and chronic wounds. 

Detoxifying Clay Bath

These products, added to bathwater, are claimed to remove chemical toxins, pollutants and heavy metals from the body. Contrary to bold advertisements claiming “dramatic improvement” in autism, they cannot be said to benefit any autism symptom.

Various products

Various products include raw camel milk, MMS (chlorine dioxide) and essential oils. They have been marketed as treatments for autism or associated symptoms, but have not been proven safe and effective for these advertised uses.

Some quick tips to help identify false or misleading claims

• Be suspicious of products claiming to treat many diseases at once. 
• Personal testimonials and individual case examples do not replace scientific evidence. 
• Very few diseases can be cured with a rapid intervention, so be suspicious of any treatment claiming a “quick cure.”
• So-called “miracle cures” claimed to have a scientific basis are probably a scam. 

Related Topic:

- AUTISM: Vaccines, Special Diets and Its Relationship with Cancer (detailed)