Families with Autism Helping Families with Autism
Vaccines, Chelation & Autism

DISCLAIMER: Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) provides general information regarding medical research, treatment options, therapies and nutrition to the autism community. The information comes from a variety of sources, and TACA does not independently verify any of it. Nothing on this website/document should be construed as medical advice. Always consult your child's doctor regarding his or her individual needs.

Chelation Summary

Vaccines, chelation, and Autism seem to be in the news on a regular basis. There are as many studies which report vaccines do not cause autism as there are which report that vaccines do cause autism. This document attempts to provide information for families that outlines basic information and some research links for review before considering chelation for a child or adult with autism. Vaccine information and links are also outlined.

Chelation is the process of removing toxic metals from the body. Toxic metals are said to come from many sources including; our environment, fish, and vaccines. There are natural chelators found in supplements and there are medically prescribed chelators available as options. Please note, the chelation process is a medical procedure and any medical procedure carries risks. Please consult with your doctor prior to pursuing chelation.

An important paper to read to discuss why chelation may be considered as an option is by Dr. Amy Holmes. Dr. Holmes is part of the Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!) team and early “think-tank” researcher on chelation protocols for children.

The link: www.healing-arts.org/children/metal-metabolism.htm

Chelators

As sited in the Dr. Holmes research (www.healing-arts.org/children/holmes.htm)

The following are prescription-only chelators:

  1. DMPS (2,3 dimercapto-propane sulfonate)
  2. DMSA (meso-2,3 dimercaptosuccinic acid)
  3. Lipoic acid (also known as ALA)
  4. BAL - Dimercaprol - [Not Recommended by Dr. Amy Holmes]
  5. Allithiamine (also known as “TTFD”)

Natural chelators include the following:

Notes:

  1. Some prescribed chelators such as DMSA can promote yeast growth. If used, yeast should be assessed by a doctor during the chelation process.
  2. On the natural chelators, some doctors may use a combination of these chelators based on the individual situation.
  3. Doctors will recommend which chelator to start with, how long, does and if a chelator needs to be changed. Please consult with a doctor to verify.

Administration of Chelators

Administration of chelators depends on doctor preferences, the age of the patient, medical test results, and the metals to be removed. Some doctors have a preference using a topical lotion as the primary chelator. Other doctors use oral medication or IV (intravenous) applications. Please consult with your doctor for the protocols they wish to use.

How Long Do You Chelate?

How long to chelate is a common question and a difficult one to answer in general terms as outlined in this document. The experts on chelation tend to agree that you chelate until no more metals appear in the test results. This process can be six months, several years, or longer.

For information about medical tests that provide metals results, please refer to Doctors Data Labs at www.doctorsdata.com or Great Plains Labs at www.greatplainslaboratory.com.

Finding a Doctor to Chelate:

This is the most difficult question to answer because all doctors do not appeal to all people. In addition, each doctor has different protocol, preference and chelation beliefs. Before selecting a doctor, it is recommended that you interview 2-3 doctors and get references (when possible). Several references for doctors include:

In the Southern California area, see Resources

National/International DAN! Doctor list: www.autism.com/ari
click on DAN!

A good way to meet other parents is to attend a support group and ask about recommended doctors.

Chelation Print Education and Audio Tapes

The Autism Research Institute’s site includes resources (in print and audio tapes) on chelation. A good resource would be any of the latest DAN! Conference audio tapes. For audio and videotapes of more recent DAN! Conferences, contact Insta-Tapes at

1-800-669-8273, or visit www.instatapes.com - ask them for the LATEST DAN! Conference tapes – check for vaccines and chelation topics which can be ordered separately.

Another item to consider would be from DAN!

B-146: Mercury Detoxification Consensus Group Position Paper. Recommendations from expert panel of 27 physicians and scientists on preferred method for removing mercury from affected autistic children. May 2001, 26 pages. ($3.00).

Note: this paper is free on the web site www.autism.com/ari click on DAN!, Medical Consensus to view paper.

Additional Reference Web Sites & Research Information:

Vaccine Information:

Doctors References

Great Parent Site on Chelation results from her children:

  • Dana is a great resource. www.danasview.net is a complete chelation summary and her journal regarding chelating her children with autism.

Best Web Site Outlining Research & Parent Feedback:

  • Generation Rescue - This web site hosts all the latest research and articles on chelation including valuable parent feedback.

DISCLAIMER: Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) provides general information regarding medical research, treatment options, therapies and nutrition to the autism community. The information comes from a variety of sources, and TACA does not independently verify any of it. Nothing on this website/document should be construed as medical advice. Always consult your child's doctor regarding his or her individual needs.

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