Unit 7 – 6 Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAMs) PART 3;
5. chelation therapy, 6. chiropractic therapy
NOTE: PROCEED WITH CAUTION. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAMs) treatments are still very controversial and may even be very dangerous. Before starting any treatment program, investigate thoroughly, and ALWAYS, ALWAYS talk to your child’s doctor first.
PLEASE READ DISCLAIMERS –
5. chelation therapy, 6. chiropractic therapy
NOTE: PROCEED WITH CAUTION. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAMs) treatments are still very controversial and may even be very dangerous. Before starting any treatment program, investigate thoroughly, and ALWAYS, ALWAYS talk to your child’s doctor first.
PLEASE READ DISCLAIMERS –
5. Chelation Therapy
The proponents of chelaton therapy believe they can remove high levels of heavy metals through their treatments. The danger here, the investigators conclude, is that the high risk of the administering intravenous chelaton therapy (in at least one case death has occurred) can be worse that the effects of having heavy metals in one’s body.
Prescott (2019) talks about chelaton therapy in terms of its claims for usefulness in the treatment of both atherosclerosis and autism. Reasoning that children with autism are suspected to have put things with lead-based paint in their mouth. Or, they have lead-based paint in their environment. There are other man-made exposures to heavy metals in our homes in the form of treated lumber, paint, pesticides, herbicides, rodent poisons, contaminated seafood, and old amalgam dental fillings.
Editor (2008) advises that using chelation therapy may put children at risk for an uncertain medical gain. And, they caution that the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has cancelled all plans of even studying this treatment, as it is considered too high-risk.
< My Thoughts > “…it is considered too high-risk.”
Remember, that as well as creating a practice or program, the principals must meet all qualifying professional standards, certification, and licensing. It’s up to you to find out if they do, before you hand your child over to them.
Web MD (2020) tells us the chelation therapy is a chemical which when injected into the bloodstream through the veins, is said to remove heavy metals and/or minerals for the body. Chelation means “to grab” or “to bind.” The body can’t get rid of some heavy metals by itself; they are – lead, mercury, copper, iron, arsenic, aluminum and calcium. Usually given through IV’s; this therapy may NOT be covered by insurance companies. This therapy IS CONSIDERED TO BE VERY DANGEROUS.
Rudy (2020) cautions that something like chelation therapy, which uses drugs to remove heavy metals from the body, can be dangerous. As are treatments like chemical enemas or detoxifying clay baths.
Cohen (2011) learns from the lab report that Ezra doesn’t have excess heavy metals. Thank God for that, since chelation, it turns out, is as dangerous as I suspected. The test results do confirm Ezra’s body has a tremendous overgrowth of candida. ‘Dr. Destroyer’ prescribes the medication to treat the candida, which we add to Ezra’s ‘Frankenmilk’ for three weeks. Do we see a difference? Perhaps he’s a little more comfortable. But he’s still autistic.
Isaccson (2009) indicates that it was Rowan’s fourth birthday, and a time to reflect. In the eight months since Rowan’s diagnosis, we had been trying all sorts of therapies: chelation (removing heavy metals), drugs, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and changes to his diet. But there had been no obvious, radical change for the better, except through his horse, Betsy. And, also during his brief exposure to the healers and shamans he had met at the Gathering. I could not help but wonder: if he had more regular access to such healers or shamans, might he get boosted again?
The proponents of chelaton therapy believe they can remove high levels of heavy metals through their treatments. The danger here, the investigators conclude, is that the high risk of the administering intravenous chelaton therapy (in at least one case death has occurred) can be worse that the effects of having heavy metals in one’s body.
Prescott (2019) talks about chelaton therapy in terms of its claims for usefulness in the treatment of both atherosclerosis and autism. Reasoning that children with autism are suspected to have put things with lead-based paint in their mouth. Or, they have lead-based paint in their environment. There are other man-made exposures to heavy metals in our homes in the form of treated lumber, paint, pesticides, herbicides, rodent poisons, contaminated seafood, and old amalgam dental fillings.
Editor (2008) advises that using chelation therapy may put children at risk for an uncertain medical gain. And, they caution that the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has cancelled all plans of even studying this treatment, as it is considered too high-risk.
< My Thoughts > “…it is considered too high-risk.”
Remember, that as well as creating a practice or program, the principals must meet all qualifying professional standards, certification, and licensing. It’s up to you to find out if they do, before you hand your child over to them.
Web MD (2020) tells us the chelation therapy is a chemical which when injected into the bloodstream through the veins, is said to remove heavy metals and/or minerals for the body. Chelation means “to grab” or “to bind.” The body can’t get rid of some heavy metals by itself; they are – lead, mercury, copper, iron, arsenic, aluminum and calcium. Usually given through IV’s; this therapy may NOT be covered by insurance companies. This therapy IS CONSIDERED TO BE VERY DANGEROUS.
Rudy (2020) cautions that something like chelation therapy, which uses drugs to remove heavy metals from the body, can be dangerous. As are treatments like chemical enemas or detoxifying clay baths.
Cohen (2011) learns from the lab report that Ezra doesn’t have excess heavy metals. Thank God for that, since chelation, it turns out, is as dangerous as I suspected. The test results do confirm Ezra’s body has a tremendous overgrowth of candida. ‘Dr. Destroyer’ prescribes the medication to treat the candida, which we add to Ezra’s ‘Frankenmilk’ for three weeks. Do we see a difference? Perhaps he’s a little more comfortable. But he’s still autistic.
Isaccson (2009) indicates that it was Rowan’s fourth birthday, and a time to reflect. In the eight months since Rowan’s diagnosis, we had been trying all sorts of therapies: chelation (removing heavy metals), drugs, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and changes to his diet. But there had been no obvious, radical change for the better, except through his horse, Betsy. And, also during his brief exposure to the healers and shamans he had met at the Gathering. I could not help but wonder: if he had more regular access to such healers or shamans, might he get boosted again?
6. Chiropractic Therapy
Kronau, et al. (2016) studied spinal manipulations and the evidence of manual therapy of the musculoskeletal system in those diagnosed with autism. All studies indicated improvement in autistic symptoms after these sessions. Since the literature on the safety of spinal manipulation is scarce and controversial, the following should also be stated. No existing experimental studies have been published in the last 10 years to confirm those reports.
Benedetti & Macphail (2019) found that some chiropractors advertise that they can treat autism, and/or developmental delays, but there is no evidence to back this claim. Saying that 30% of North American Chiropractors view both autism and developmental delays as some of the dozens of things that they can treat by removing spinal blockages. Claiming to free the flow of blood to the brain, thus giving individuals the ability to start building sentences, improve gait and motor problems, and even to gain control of bowel functions. The recommended treatment session for this is three times a week; for 2-6 months, or up to a year.
Bodin, (2013) sees chiropractors and naturopaths, who he says are considered performing non-traditional medicine, as aiming towards minimizing recurrence and progression of conditions. That an autism diagnosis needs to be validated through standardized in-person evaluations, preferably a ‘treating team’ from different specialties, making a broad interpretative diagnosis.
Editor (2017) One option that doesn’t always occur to us is chiropractic. I had the opportunity to talk with a chiropractor in Spokane, Washington. He revealed to me that some chiropractors believe their treatments are effective not only for constipation, but for autism itself. What chiropractic claims to do is relieve pressure on the nerves that transmit signals between the body and the brain.
This doctor has found that freeing up the nerves to function correctly often relieves constipation. He has also seen it calm the symptoms of autism. “We do not treat autism,” Dr. Johnson said as we spoke about both encopresis and autism. “We treat kids with autism,” he went on, “who then see a significant benefit to their life and a decrease of symptoms.” His method includes treating the distress or dysfunction that he finds in the nervous system; then, he says that the symptoms often decrease.
One chiropractor’s response, “This is an adventure we are on together. It doesn’t work 100% for everyone.” These authors found little evidence in the literature that these treatments benefit children with autism. Or, that you can change brain function by moving the body’s ‘suture plates’.
Editors found that hundreds of chiropractors make these claims and provide these treatments to individuals with autism. One parent revealed that she spent $3,700 dollars for her 9-year-old autistic son; therapy sessions ended when finally, her son refused to go.
< My Thoughts > “…hundreds of chiropractors…”
Most of the advertising for this treatment seems to be ‘word-of-mouth’ and one must wonder how it continues to be a prevalent choice for parents. Perhaps someone in the family may already be going to a practice for their own needs. Furthermore, it is much more difficult to find clinicians clearly certified and qualified to treat autism than it is to find a variety of willing chiropractors.
REFERENCES: UNIT 7 – 6 CAMS PART 3 5. chelation therapy, 6. chiropractic therapy
Benedetti, P. & Macphail, W. (2019). Straightening Out Chiropractic’s Claim as a Treatment for Autism; Atlantic Magazine, original publisher; Retrieved online from – https://www.spectrumnews.org/features/deep-dive/straightening-chiropractics-claim-treatment-autism/
Bodin, A. (2013). Tactile Therapies; Chiropractic and Manual Therapies; V21:10
Cohen, K. (2011). Seeing Ezra: A Mother’s Story of Autism, Unconditional Love, & the Meaning of Normal; eBook Edition.
Editor (2008). Chelaton Therapy; Brown University Child & Adolescent Behavior Letter.
Editor (2017). Amazing Ways Chiropractic Therapy Can Benefit Kids with Autism; Retrieved online from - https://ww.autismparentingmagazine.com.
Isaacson, R. (2009). The Horse Boy: A Father’s Quest to Heal His Son; eBook Edition.
Kronau, S., Dipl-ling, B., et al. (2016). Manual Therapy of the Musculoskeletal System in Children with Autism; Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics; V15:3, p1280-1291.
Prescott, N. (2019). Metals in Medicine & the Environment; faculty at Virginia University. Retrieved online from –faculty.virginia.edu/metals/cases/rasnake2.html/
Rudy, L. (2020). What is the Best Treatment for Autism?; Very Well Health Online; Retrieved online from – https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-best-treatment-for-autism/
Web MD (2020). Chelation Therapy: Purpose, Procedure, & Side-Effects; Retrieved online from – https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/what-is-chelation-therapy/
DISCLAIMER (2024) Know Autism – Know Your Child: with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker; 2024
Just to let you know that I, Sara Hayden Luker, have put forth my best efforts in presenting what I have learned about autism, by sharing the stories and studies of those who have gone before us. Any author’s mention of products, services, treatments, and interventions or actions are not to be considered an endorsement, thereof. Know that to some, autism is an ‘unregulated business’. The content of this website material, digital or in any other form does not represent medical advice; nor does it constitute medical suggestions in any way. The material, including any downloadable parts, is for informational and/or educational purposes only. Your download and/or use of any of this material indicates your acceptance of this disclaimer.
This is a Personal Use Electronic Download. By downloading, you hereby agree and acknowledge that you are not acquiring any right, title or interest in, or to, the material; nor any associated copyrights, other than the right to possess, hold and use for personal, non-commercial purposes. Furthermore, you agree that you will: (i) not scan, copy, duplicate, distribute or otherwise reproduce the material(s) to resell, (ii) not use the material(s) for any commercial purposes. By purchasing/downloading you agree to these terms unconditionally. No ‘rights’ are given or transferred.
Kronau, et al. (2016) studied spinal manipulations and the evidence of manual therapy of the musculoskeletal system in those diagnosed with autism. All studies indicated improvement in autistic symptoms after these sessions. Since the literature on the safety of spinal manipulation is scarce and controversial, the following should also be stated. No existing experimental studies have been published in the last 10 years to confirm those reports.
Benedetti & Macphail (2019) found that some chiropractors advertise that they can treat autism, and/or developmental delays, but there is no evidence to back this claim. Saying that 30% of North American Chiropractors view both autism and developmental delays as some of the dozens of things that they can treat by removing spinal blockages. Claiming to free the flow of blood to the brain, thus giving individuals the ability to start building sentences, improve gait and motor problems, and even to gain control of bowel functions. The recommended treatment session for this is three times a week; for 2-6 months, or up to a year.
Bodin, (2013) sees chiropractors and naturopaths, who he says are considered performing non-traditional medicine, as aiming towards minimizing recurrence and progression of conditions. That an autism diagnosis needs to be validated through standardized in-person evaluations, preferably a ‘treating team’ from different specialties, making a broad interpretative diagnosis.
Editor (2017) One option that doesn’t always occur to us is chiropractic. I had the opportunity to talk with a chiropractor in Spokane, Washington. He revealed to me that some chiropractors believe their treatments are effective not only for constipation, but for autism itself. What chiropractic claims to do is relieve pressure on the nerves that transmit signals between the body and the brain.
This doctor has found that freeing up the nerves to function correctly often relieves constipation. He has also seen it calm the symptoms of autism. “We do not treat autism,” Dr. Johnson said as we spoke about both encopresis and autism. “We treat kids with autism,” he went on, “who then see a significant benefit to their life and a decrease of symptoms.” His method includes treating the distress or dysfunction that he finds in the nervous system; then, he says that the symptoms often decrease.
One chiropractor’s response, “This is an adventure we are on together. It doesn’t work 100% for everyone.” These authors found little evidence in the literature that these treatments benefit children with autism. Or, that you can change brain function by moving the body’s ‘suture plates’.
Editors found that hundreds of chiropractors make these claims and provide these treatments to individuals with autism. One parent revealed that she spent $3,700 dollars for her 9-year-old autistic son; therapy sessions ended when finally, her son refused to go.
< My Thoughts > “…hundreds of chiropractors…”
Most of the advertising for this treatment seems to be ‘word-of-mouth’ and one must wonder how it continues to be a prevalent choice for parents. Perhaps someone in the family may already be going to a practice for their own needs. Furthermore, it is much more difficult to find clinicians clearly certified and qualified to treat autism than it is to find a variety of willing chiropractors.
REFERENCES: UNIT 7 – 6 CAMS PART 3 5. chelation therapy, 6. chiropractic therapy
Benedetti, P. & Macphail, W. (2019). Straightening Out Chiropractic’s Claim as a Treatment for Autism; Atlantic Magazine, original publisher; Retrieved online from – https://www.spectrumnews.org/features/deep-dive/straightening-chiropractics-claim-treatment-autism/
Bodin, A. (2013). Tactile Therapies; Chiropractic and Manual Therapies; V21:10
Cohen, K. (2011). Seeing Ezra: A Mother’s Story of Autism, Unconditional Love, & the Meaning of Normal; eBook Edition.
Editor (2008). Chelaton Therapy; Brown University Child & Adolescent Behavior Letter.
Editor (2017). Amazing Ways Chiropractic Therapy Can Benefit Kids with Autism; Retrieved online from - https://ww.autismparentingmagazine.com.
Isaacson, R. (2009). The Horse Boy: A Father’s Quest to Heal His Son; eBook Edition.
Kronau, S., Dipl-ling, B., et al. (2016). Manual Therapy of the Musculoskeletal System in Children with Autism; Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics; V15:3, p1280-1291.
Prescott, N. (2019). Metals in Medicine & the Environment; faculty at Virginia University. Retrieved online from –faculty.virginia.edu/metals/cases/rasnake2.html/
Rudy, L. (2020). What is the Best Treatment for Autism?; Very Well Health Online; Retrieved online from – https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-best-treatment-for-autism/
Web MD (2020). Chelation Therapy: Purpose, Procedure, & Side-Effects; Retrieved online from – https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/what-is-chelation-therapy/
DISCLAIMER (2024) Know Autism – Know Your Child: with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker; 2024
Just to let you know that I, Sara Hayden Luker, have put forth my best efforts in presenting what I have learned about autism, by sharing the stories and studies of those who have gone before us. Any author’s mention of products, services, treatments, and interventions or actions are not to be considered an endorsement, thereof. Know that to some, autism is an ‘unregulated business’. The content of this website material, digital or in any other form does not represent medical advice; nor does it constitute medical suggestions in any way. The material, including any downloadable parts, is for informational and/or educational purposes only. Your download and/or use of any of this material indicates your acceptance of this disclaimer.
This is a Personal Use Electronic Download. By downloading, you hereby agree and acknowledge that you are not acquiring any right, title or interest in, or to, the material; nor any associated copyrights, other than the right to possess, hold and use for personal, non-commercial purposes. Furthermore, you agree that you will: (i) not scan, copy, duplicate, distribute or otherwise reproduce the material(s) to resell, (ii) not use the material(s) for any commercial purposes. By purchasing/downloading you agree to these terms unconditionally. No ‘rights’ are given or transferred.