Zeeshan Haider Introduction
Chelation therapy, a process that uses potent medications to remove heavy metals from the body, has been a subject of controversy in the treatment of autism. While it has been effective in treating lead poisoning and other disorders, it has been recommended by some alternative practitioners as a “cure” for autism since the late 1990s.
However, it’s important to note that autism is not a disease or illness, and the pursuit of a cure can be harmful to autistic individuals. Chelation therapy does not improve core autistic traits such as sensory sensitivities, restricted eating patterns, or motor difficulties. Moreover, when used incorrectly or outside of a medical setting, chelating drugs can pose serious risks.
Standard Uses
Originally developed to treat heavy metal poisoning, chelation therapy has been found effective against poisoning by arsenic, lead, mercury, gold, iron, cadmium, and copper. Some research suggested it could be beneficial for cardiovascular disease and cancer, but these uses lack substantial evidence.
Alternative Therapy for Autism
The use of chelation therapy for autism stemmed from the belief that mercury-containing thimerosal in vaccines was responsible for the rise in autism diagnoses. The Autism Research Institute and practitioners of the Defeat Autism Now (DAN!) protocol developed treatment protocols based on this belief. However, these theories are not widely accepted in the medical community and can be harmful.
The Process
Chelation therapy begins with a provocation test to determine heavy metal levels in the body. Based on the results, a practitioner may administer chelating drugs orally, intravenously, or through other methods. These drugs bond with metal ions, making them less reactive and easier to eliminate from the body.
Chelation therapy should only be administered by a doctor in a medical facility due to its potential risks. The most effective and safe chelating drugs include DMSA and DMPS, but other drugs can have severe side effects.
Side Effects
Even when used correctly, chelation therapy can cause side effects such as dizziness, nausea, headache, and diarrhea. Inappropriately used, it can lead to life-threatening complications such as low blood pressure, cardiac issues, seizures, brain damage, liver damage, kidney damage, dangerously low calcium levels, and anemia.
Research Claims
Some studies have reported positive changes in autistic individuals after chelation therapy, but these studies have significant flaws and do not provide meaningful evidence. A meta-study found no evidence to support chelation as an effective autism treatment, and the risks outweigh any potential benefits.
Chelation Today
Despite the lack of evidence and potential risks, chelation therapy remains an alternative treatment for autism. Organizations like TACA continue to promote it, and some doctors still offer it to autistic children. However, it’s crucial for parents and caregivers to understand that autism cannot be cured, and seeking a cure can be harmful to autistic individuals.
Questions to Consider
When considering alternative therapies for autism, it’s essential to ask questions such as:
Who is recommending this therapy, and what do they stand to gain?
What do reliable sources like the CDC and NIMH say about this therapy?
What do autistic-led organizations like ASAN and AWN say about this therapy?
Is this therapy based on curing autism?
What are the potential risks of this therapy?
What measures are in place to ensure the safety of the autistic individual?
How will changes or improvements be measured?
Conclusion
In conclusion, chelation therapy for autism is not supported by evidence and can be harmful. It’s crucial to prioritize the well-being and safety of autistic individuals and to seek treatments that are based on their needs and preferences.
Source
- Adams, James B., et al. “Effect of a chelation therapy on urinary excretion of essential metals in children with autism.” Neuroendocrinology Letters 27.6 (2006): 833-838.
- American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Children with Disabilities. “Auditory integration training and facilitated communication for autism.” Pediatrics 102.2 (1998): 431-433.
- Bradstreet, James J., et al. “Efficacy of chelation therapy to remove aluminium intoxication.” Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine 20.4 (2005): 239-244.
- Kern, Janet K., et al. “Chelation treatment for autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review.” Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders 5.3 (2011): 1048-1056.
- Rossignol, Daniel A., and Richard E. Frye. “A review of research trends in physiological abnormalities in autism spectrum disorders: immune dysregulation, inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and environmental toxicant exposures.” Molecular Psychiatry 17.4 (2012): 389-401.
- Sandstead, Harold H. “Is autism a member of a family of diseases resulting from genetic/cultural mismatches, oxidative stress, and thiol metabolism?” Medical Hypotheses 64.5 (2005): 899-901.
