The concept behind detoxification is that heavy metals have accumulated in the child and that removal of these heavy metals (and other toxins) will improve symptoms. Some parents have reported that the effects of detoxification are as dramatic as those found with secretin.

Nevertheless, since we do not yet know how biologically active secretin is (it could be working because of the Pygmalion Effect or working in subsets of children for reasons completely unrelated to current theory), we do not know with certainty whether detoxification is working due to biological principles or do to parents' expectations.

One source of heavy metals is thought to be the timerosol in vaccines which is associated with mercury.

The first step is often testing to determine if heavy metals are present. Typically, a 24 hour urine is obtained for heavy metals and then a dose of DMSA is given and the 24 hour urine is repeated. If heavy metals are present, they should increase when a chelating agent is given.

Doctor's Data, Great Smokies Diagnostic Labs, and Great Plains Laboratories do these tests. During chelation therapy, lead is thought to come out first, then mercury, then tin.

Typical treatments include the administration of DMSA, 10 mg/kf three times per day for three days and off 11 days. DMPS can be added for additional boosting of effect. Adding lipoic acid is thought to help remove mercury from the Central Nervous System.

Detoxification is a long process and may take months. Liver enzymes and a CBC should be obtained - at first monthly, and then at regular intervals of 1-3 months to be sure that no toxicity from the DMSA is developing.

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What others in the field think of Detoxification for Heavy Metals as a Treatment for Autism:

• Amy S. Holmes, M.D: Chelation of Mercury for the Treatment of Autism

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