Detoxification
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. 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. 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.
Source: Autism Treatments: Detoxification for Heavy Metals by Lewis Mehl-Madrona, M.D., Ph.D
Chelation
Chelation therapy is the administration of chelating agents to remove heavy metals from the body. For the most common forms of heavy metal intoxication—those involving lead, arsenic or mercury—the standard of care in the USA dictates the use of dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA).
There is strong evidence that autistic children have impairments in their body detoxification systems, causing increased vulnerability to toxic injury. In addition to heavy metals (particularly mercury, lead, arsenic, antimony, and aluminum), we have found elevated blood levels of PCBs and volatile organic solvents in every autistic child tested in our office. These toxins further weaken their detoxification systems, by causing oxidative injury, immune dysfunction, impairment of enzyme and energy functions, disruption of cellular communications, and initiation and aggravation of chronic inflammation. The result of these disturbances is a complex set of self-perpetuating cycles of tissue injury. Detoxification by chelation and attendant supportive treatments helps break these cycles and restore healthy physiology.
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