Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability  that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 1 in 68 children has been identified with ASD, although as Dr. Ileana Arias of the CDC said several years ago, “However, we urge extreme caution in interpreting this change. An increase in diagnosis does not necessarily mean that more children actually have ASD. Unfortunately, the information that we currently have doesn’t allow us to give a true account of whether the apparent increase is an actual increase or the result of changes in the way we describe and diagnose ASDs.”

Image/FDA
Image/FDA

Despite what the real raw numbers are, autism naturally has parents seeking out treatments for their children.

One of those treatments marketed goes by several names, Miracle Mineral Solution, Miracle Mineral Supplement and Master Mineral Solution, same acronym–MMS. This “miracle cure”, essentially is a liquid that’s 28 percent sodium chlorite in distilled water.

Distributor websites tell consumers to mix the sodium chlorite solution with citric acid—such as, lemon or lime juice—or another acid before drinking. When the acid is added, the mixture becomes chlorine dioxide, a powerful bleaching agent. Chlorine dioxide is used for bleaching of wood pulp, and for the disinfection or chlorination of municipal drinking water.

The solution can be taken orally or administered via an enema.

One website promoting this treatment is CD Autism, which is run by Kerri Rivera, states that, “We know that autism is made up of:  Virus, Bacteria, Parasites,  Yeast,  Heavy Metals,  Inflammation and  Food allergies.

“MMS is proven to kill pathogens through oxidation, and to neutralize heavy metal compounds.  In turn inflammation is reduced, as well as some food sensitivities.”

Rivera claims, “A total of 164 children have so far been recovered (ATEC score of 10 or below,) using the CD Autism protocol!”

In addition to autism, MMS is marketed as a cure for colds, acne, cancer, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, H1N1 flu, and other conditions.

What does the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) say about MMS?

The agency put out a consumer alert several years ago that said drinking the amount recommended on product labels can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and symptoms of severe dehydration. Some labels claim vomiting and diarrhea are not uncommon after the product is ingested—and even maintain such reactions are evidence MMS is working.

FDA experts say MMS is dangerous, and they’re advising consumers to stop using the product immediately. FDA has received several reports of consumers who got sick from drinking the MMS and citrus juice mixture. The reports say consumers suffered from nausea, severe vomiting, and life-threatening low blood pressure caused by dehydration.

Another highly questionable medical alternative, in this case an alternative to vaccines, is nosodes.

According to the website, Stop Nosodes, they describe nosodes as follows:

Nosodes are homeopathic preparations made from bodily tissues and fluids (including feces, blood, pus, discharges, and saliva) taken from patients suffering from a disease (e.g. measles, anthrax, tuberculosis). Once the starting material is obtained, it is sterilized and serially diluted, just like any other homeopathic remedy, often to the point where no active ingredient remains.  As with other homeopathic remedies, nosodes are taken orally and are used for a wide variety of conditions. We are concerned by the use of nosodes to prevent infectious disease, a procedure known as “homeoprophylaxis”.

There are several homeoprophylaxis programs that are being promoted by complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) providers as a replacement for the recommended vaccination schedule. These programs include nosodes purported to provide immunity from measles, polio, pertussis, mumps, chicken pox, and other serious childhood illnesses. There are even programs offered to certify naturopaths and homeopaths to supervise the administration of the products. They are unaffiliated with any educational institution and are based on anecdote and magical thinking. Homeoprophylaxis proponents often reference 5-6 weak studies to support their claims, but none of these were double-blind, randomized, controlled trials and most were published before 1970 and never replicated.

The Canadian news source, Globe and Mail, report that the Canadian College of Homeopathic Medicine, one of the largest homeopathic colleges in Canada, pushes an anti-vaccine philosophy and promotes nosodes as “more effective and safer” than vaccines.

This claim despite Health Canada saying nosodes are not for marketing as vaccine alternatives. There are more than 100 nosodes approved in Canada, which has many health experts up in arms about the decision.

“There’s no evidence anywhere that says [nosodes] are effective for anything,” said Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s deputy provincial health officer. “I personally, and I think many of us in the public health community, think they should not be approved for use at all in Canada.”

Stop Nosodes has drafted a letter to Health Minister Rona Ambrose to stop the licensing of nosodes.

Here is the FDA’s 2003 warning letter to select sellers of nosodes.

Beware of these alternatives for medical treatment as they could be dangerous on several levels.