Chelation Therapy for Autism: Shot in the Dark

You will not understand the desperation a parent feels when confronted with an ailment like autism unless you are faced with a similar situation. The fact that they can do little to help their children is extremely traumatic. In all other types of diseases, there is at least the bonding that a parent has with the child that somehow gives some reprieve; in autism, however, the children can be totally unresponsive to any emotionality. There is  little crying, laughing, hugging, or desire to be held – in other words there is often little connection between the autistic child and his/her parent.

What Is Chelation Therapy for Autism?

Chelation therapy is a method by which a chelation agent is introduced into the body of a patient; this chelation agent binds to the toxic materials (such as lead or mercury) in the body and eliminates it through the process. Some common chelation agents are the DMSA (which is also considered as one of the safest), the DMPS and the lipoic acid. The process involves the combination of two or three such agents used consecutively. It is important that the process be done under the strict supervision of a physician since the process may affect the function of vital organs such as liver, kidney, and even heart.

When we speak about chelation therapy for autism, it is under the presumption that the removal of mercury or lead from the body of the autistic person actually reverses the effects of the disorder. However, the FDA has not approved of the chelation agents; neither has any medical research endorsed that chelation therapy for autism works. People nonetheless go for it because it is something they can do and gives them hope.

To be fair, there are instances where the chelation therapy for autism has worked; but the results are very sporadic and cannot be generalized beyond random luck. Doctors discourage parents from administering the chelation therapy for autism to their patients because they cannot prescribe it.

At the same time, the chelation therapy for autism is not illegal and can be practiced by those who think they could benefit from it. Before you decide, however, be informed about the expense involved – it costs $75 to $125 per treatment and the whole process may take 25 to 100 treatments. Also be aware that insurance does not reimburse this expense. If after considering all this, you still want to try it, go ahead, but only under the direct supervision of a doctor.