NIMH Cancels Autism Chelation Study
I have been somewhat MIA from Mindless Mommy blogging lately - I have been extremely busy with a variety of other projects and unfortunately my one relaxing outlet (this blog) has been neglected. Right now I’m taking a break from my “Advanced Course in Communication Sciences and Disorders” studying - I have a big test tomorrow but need a break. I was reading through my Google Alerts and came across something that I feel is quite blog-worthy.
“Controversial Autism Study Canceled over “Unethical” Reasons”
The chelation study had reportedly been on hold since 2007 when animal trials linked a specific chelation treatment to brain damage in rats. Some critics called the study “unethical.”
This was fantastic news to me. In July, I posted on the topic in my Newseek Article Highlights Chelation Study article.
I know I’m going to raise the ire of anyone reading that is pro-chelation but from my viewpoint, this is nothing but good news. Typically, those who choose to try chelation on their child do so from the standpoint of ‘curing’ their child. It is not unheard to hear of mounds of financial debt being generated by families that latch on to these fringe treatments. Sure, for some children chelation can lead to noticeable improvements. On the other hand, it can also lead to death for other children.
So here where I live, I feel like I’m on an island. When I was still relatively new to the diagnosis, I contacted the local chapter of the Autism Society of America (not knowing completely the organization’s viewpoints on ‘curing autism’). Although the national organization purports to support everyone with regards to autism, the local chapter focuses almost entirely on curing autism. The group has gone so far as to merge its monthly meeting with the local biomedical autism group. So now if a person wants to attend an ASA meeting for support, they are inundated with one-sided information. Anyone who disagrees with this viewpoint is immediately removed from the email group. It is very alienating and I feel for new parents who don’t have the resources or inclination to delve head first into the downward spiral known as biomedical interventions.
