Can chelation therapy help someone with autism?

Possible: Chelation is not a cure or cure-all for autism but many children with autism have higher than ideal levels of toxic metals that may play a significant role in their neurologic function and development. In those cases, I have seen excellent improvement with individualized oral chelation programs. On the flip side, few cases of autism have been reversed with chelation alone.

NO: The ama does not endorse chelation therapy for behavioral issues because of potentially horrible side effects including death. There is no sound evidence whatsoever that it even helps behavioral issues. For proven heavy metal poisoning there may be an indication. Otherwise it appears to be quackery. There is no scientific evidence that heavy metals play a role in childhood autism.

No: There is no evidence from scientifically valid double blind control studies to indicate chelation is an effective treatment for children with autism.