FDA Warns Against False Autism Cures

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently released a statement warning parents and caregivers of people with autism to stay away from drugs and treatments that claim to be a cure for autism. There currently is no cure for the disorder, and any product or treatment that claims to do so is a scam and could be potentially harmful to your loved one.

There are tons of websites on the Internet claiming that they have found the magic cure for autism, but their claims are false and some of these treatments can have life threatening effects. Some of these treatments include Chelation Therapies, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS), Detoxifying Clay Baths, and CocoKefir probiotics. Some of these treatments have been approved for specific ailments, while others are not recommended at all.

It’s understandable that parents and caregivers would give anything to help the ones they love, but it’s always best to do plenty of research before risking your loved ones health, and possibly their life. Below are some tips to follow when you’re looking at treatments for your loved one:

• If the treatment offers immediate results or a miracle cure, it’s likely a scam. Autism is a complex disorder, so if a helpful, approved treatment were to be found it’s unlikely that it would have instant results or cure the disorder once and for all. There has been a lot of research done, and so far nothing has proven to significantly help in most cases.
• Always do your research and consult medical professionals when considering a treatment. You should search for every possible negative outcome that could happen as a result of the treatment. Almost every treatment for every ailment has some possible side effect or negative consequence, especially if taken without medical supervision.
• Look for information in professional medical journals, from the FDA or other well-known organizations when looking for approved treatments. If you haven’t heard of an organization, or their influence doesn’t seem professional and widespread, it’s probably not a reliable source.
• Remember that non-medicinal treatments are less likely to have negative outcomes, so focus your efforts on educating your loved one in a way that works for them rather than trying to find a quick fix.

If you’d like to learn more about the false treatments and their potential dangers, please visit the FDA’s website: www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm394757.htm

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