What is Chelation Therapy For Autism

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficiencies in speech, behaviour, and social interaction. It is also marked by restricted or repetitive patterns of action. Children with autism also display aggression, inability to focus, lack of cognitive skills, and hyperactivity. Gene mutation and environment toxins are said to be the causes of autism.  

Environmental Toxicants

Exposures to environmental toxicants may happen during pre or post-natal stages in babies. It can lead to alterations in the developmental patterns and impaired neurological function. Toxics including lead, mercury, and arsenic are said to be the reason behind autism in children. A developing brain is more vulnerable to damage from toxicants than the adult brain.

Immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, and depleted glutathione are some of the effects seen in children with autism that arises because of environmental toxicants. They are at times, accompanied by symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.  

The diagnosis of children, suspected for environmental toxicant, includes screening for lead levels in the blood at regular intervals. Chelation of metal toxins is highly recommended to treat individuals with autism. 

What Is Chelation Therapy For Autism?

Chelation therapy for autism is a process to rid the body from metal toxins. This procedure is done using chemical solutions like Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA). When injected into the bloodstream, they bind strongly with the metals and minerals like lead, mercury, iron, arsenic, and calcium in plaque form. The harmful metals are then excreted from the body through urine.

When the metals are removed from the body, the blood flows freely. The arteries are able to supply oxygenated blood to the brain. This may slow down the complication of autism from getting worse. EDTA acts as an antioxidant and protects the body from inflammation. 

Is Chelation Therapy For Autism Safe?

There's no cure for autism. Complementary therapies are often suggested for treatment. However, chelation therapy for autism is found to be effective and sometimes harmful.

Most of the children who underwent chelation therapy with DMSA showed improvement in their behavior. The mercury levels measured before and after treatment, confirms the level of metal excreted from the body. It also helps to identify the behavioural differences among children. Children with autism show greater improvements in communication and social behaviour after chelation therapy.

But when administered in high doses, it may lead to serious consequences such as kidney damage. Some of the other negative effects include low blood sugar and high blood pressure.