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.
September 20th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Wow. I can’t believe I’ve never heard of this before. I’m going to read up on chelation so that I don’t feel so ignorant.
September 21st, 2008 at 8:10 am
I went through the ‘must find out everything’, ‘must look for a cure’ as a new Autism mama. When we actually looked into what was necessary for chelation I thought, um, no.
It is such a relief to finally accept what ‘is’, see it as a blessing and leave the theories alone. I am glad they have stopped looking into the chelation.In my opinion kids should not be put through it…especially since most autism kiddos are thoroughly traumatized when it comes to needles anyway.
Honestly, the organizations that strive to make everyone exactly like one another scare the crap out of me.
September 21st, 2008 at 9:53 am
Angela - Yup I did the same thing and I was already acquainted with a naturopathic doctor (since I am kind of a crunchy mommy to begin with). Like you, once I researched it all I knew no way, no how. This was even before my daughter was verbal. Both of my kiddos definitely have the needle trauma, my son ran out into the road trying to get away from me when we had to have his blood drawn earlier this year.
GEM - It is an interesting read and chelation is used for a variety of purposes but is pretty contoversial when it comes to autism.