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Treatment Options for Mercury/Metal Toxicity in Autism and Related Developmental Disabilities: Consensus Position Paper

Purpose

During the last several years, there has been growing clinical and scientific evidence that most children with autism suffer from mercury/metal toxicity. Furthermore, there have been many reports from physicians and parents that removal of mercury and other toxic metals can be very beneficial to children with autism, sometimes resulting in a major decrease in autistic symptoms. A wide variety of detoxifying agents and protocols have been used, and the purpose of this paper is to discuss the pros and cons of the different treatments available. Overall, our consensus position is that removal of mercury and other toxic metals is one of the most beneficial treatments for autism and related disorders. More research is needed, but effective treatments are available now. Each child is an individual, so this report presents general guidelines rather than specific recommendations.

Evidence of Mercury Toxicity in Children with Autism

There is extensive evidence that many children with autism suffer from mercury toxicity. Briefly, the evidence shows that children with autism have low levels of glutathione and cysteine (the pre-cursor to glutathione), which is the major pathway for removal of toxic metals like mercury. The children also often had excessive use of oral antibiotics, which greatly inhibits excretion of mercury. Due to their limited ability to excrete mercury, they have low levels in baby hair (an excretory tissue), high levels in baby teeth, and higher excretion when given DMSA compared to controls. The symptoms of autism are consistent with that of mercury toxicity. The epidemiology studies are mixed, but several published studies show a strong link between autism and thimerosal in vaccines. Overall, it appears that most children with autism suffer from mercury toxicity, and may potentially benefit from detoxification therapy.

continued at link
http://www.eas.asu.edu/~autism/DANConsensusReport.htm

see also www.AutismResearchInstitute.com