Warning: Outrageous 'Autism Treatments' You Should Never Experiment With | Children's & Teens Health articles | Family Health center

No two autistic children are truly alike. This is because autism is a generalized term used for those children that have an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). There are a multitude of effects that can be experienced by a child on the spectrum, and the severity can vary widely. Once upon a time, if a child was autistic, they were considered to be non-communicative and unable to function in the daily tasks and responsibilities that are required to be a successful adult. Now, however, it is known that some of the children on the milder end of the spectrum can function very well with the right support and in some cases medication.

What Are The Claims?

As soon as a disorder gains notoriety or the numbers diagnosed increase, the chances of alternative treatments that are claimed to cure the disorder magnify. The same applies to autism, and there has been no shortage of false claims of treatments, cures and causes. There has been a huge increase in the number of children being diagnosed with ASD, but rather than looking for blame or cause, perhaps the increase is purely because research has enabled the disorder to be more readily identified.

Many parents are against using medication in children, and so they are often looking for alternative treatment options to help their child. There are many therapies that are recommended and are available through medical and psychiatric services, and these are well researched and trialled before being put into action. However, there are also some alternative treatments that are not researched, not scientifically proven, and in some cases, are just downright dangerous.

Fact Or Fiction?

Very few medications are actually approved for use in children with autism. These medicines predominantly work to control the emotional outbursts including anger, and some children also need help with sleeping or anxiety disorders that are often associated with autism. Before these medicines are prescribed, they are fully researched and trialled, so that the best possible safety precautions have been taken. After all, nobody really wants to have to give a child medications like these, but in some cases, the benefits outweigh the negatives.

READ So Your Child Has Autism: Now What?

Other treatments provided by health professionals include cognitive therapy, behavior therapy, special schooling and counselling. These are the treatment options that are proven to be both effective and safe. However, more and more alternative treatments are being marketed, and to date, none of these have been shown to have any positive effect on the child's behavior or ability to function. Some of them are just downright ridiculous, and it is shocking that desperate parents are persuaded to try them by money-making schemers or do-gooders who don't really know what they are talking about.

Warning: Alternative 'Autism Treatments' Can Pose A Real Danger

Yes, the medications that are prescribed to help children with autism do have side effects. In fact, every single medicine that is available will have a side effect. The difference is that these side effects are known thanks to research, and they are monitored and managed by a health professional — unlike the following "treatments" that have been pushed on to parents of autistic children that have not been scientifically researched or trialled.

Chelation Therapy

Chelation therapy involves the use of over-the-counter products to remove metals and minerals from the child's body. Generally, in terms of medical use, they are only used in severe cases of metal poisoning such as iron or lead poisoning. Why or how this is supposed to be beneficial in curing autism is beyond comprehension. Not only do they not work to treat or cure autism, but the most serious side effect is a mineral deficiency that can become life-threatening.

Miracle Mineral Solution

The Federal Drug Administration of the United States does not approve this treatment as it is a substance that is potentially caustic, and there have been reports of side effects, including low blood pressure, nausea and severe vomiting. Again, there is no reasoning as to why this treatment is meant to treat autism.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

This would have to be one of the most ridiculous claims that has been made. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is used to treat divers who have decompression sickness, or in some cases of severe skin ulceration. It involves your child being placed into a pressurized chamber where they are made to breathe in concentrated oxygen. The reality is that this therapy can cause excess oxygen in the bloodstream and damage to the central nervous system which can lead to seizures.

Probiotic Products

Whilst these are generally not harmful, they do help with gastrointestinal problems but there is absolutely no proof that they can help or cure autism.

Speak Gel Or Liquid

Unbelievably, this product is marketed as a cure for autistic children that can't speak. Many desperate parents were taken in by the marketing of this product, which included "testimonies" from other parents who claimed their once non-communicative autistic child could now speak. After investing large amounts of money on this product, not only did the parents find there was no difference in their child, they also were shocked to learn that what they were giving their child was basically fish oil.

Detoxifying Clay Baths

Similar in theory to the Chelation Therapy, it is claimed that this can draw out pollutants, heavy metals and chemical toxins from the body. Whatever it may do, it certainly does not improve symptoms of autism.

To Take Or Not To Take?

As a parent of an autistic child, I too am always looking for further help or treatments for my child. I am neither pro-medication nor pro-alternative treatments, in fact I have found that sometimes you need a balance of both.

READ Applied Behavior Analysis And Autism: Does It Really Work?

My only concern is the health and wellbeing of my child and ensuring that he can have the best life possible. When you are faced with the diagnosis of autism, it can be a hugely confusing and frightening time. Knowing what is best for your child is the only guideline you may have, but you must also listen to those who specialize in treating and managing autistic symptoms. Whatever treatment or therapy you choose to do, you must always make sure that it is well researched, scientifically proven, and above all else, safe for your child.

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