New blog about Disregard products claiming to “cure” autism
Don’t be fooled by products or treatments claiming to cure autism.
That’s the message from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which this week warned consumers that so-called “cures” for autism will not work and may even endanger your child’s health.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for autism. Some federally approved therapies and drugs can improve autism symptoms in certain people, but will not get rid of autism. Legitimate treatments for autism include behavioral therapy, social skills training, occupational and sensory integration therapy, physical therapy, speech and language therapy, and certain medications to treat autism-related behavior problems.
About 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The disorder is more than 4 times more common in boys than in girls. Children with autism generally have difficulty communicating and interacting with others, and may exhibit repetitive and obsessive behaviors.
The FDA is cracking down on products making false claims to cure or treat autism. Here’s what you should be wary of:
• Chelation therapies: These products come in many forms including sprays, tablets, liquid drops and clay baths, and claim to remove toxic chemicals and heavy metals from the body. The FDA has not approved chelation therapy for autism treatment (it’s sometimes used to treat lead poisoning or iron overload) and using it without professional supervision could lead to serious health problems.
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: This involves breathing oxygen in a pressurized chamber. The FDA has approved it for certain uses such as treating decompression sickness in divers, but not for autism.
• “Detoxifying” clay baths: These products are added to bathwater and claim to draw toxins out of the body. Some falsely claim to offer “dramatic improvement” in autism symptoms.
• Camel milk and essential oils: The FDA says consumers should disregard claims that these products treat autism or autism symptoms. They have not been tested for safety or effectiveness.
Before using an autism therapy or treatment, the FDA recommends consulting your doctor.
Photos by iStock.
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