Autism affects countless millions of people around the world. In 2020, the CDC estimated that around one out of every 54 children in the United States is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. People naturally want to find treatments and therapy for autism. However, this often causes people to put their beliefs in untested therapies that have the potential to be rather dangerous.
One of those is bleach therapy for autism. It’s important to understand what this therapy is and why it is so risky.
What is Bleach Therapy for Autism?
We all know that bleach is used as a disinfectant and used on a range of hard surfaces to clean. It is a caustic substance and is also known to be highly dangerous when used improperly. Yet, some use bleach therapy for autism by mixing it with water and citric acid and then taken regularly.
Those who are using it for therapy could use eye drops, ear drops, sprays, enemas, or they might drink it. Those who are making these therapies claim that chlorine dioxide can determine the difference between healthy and diseased tissue. They believe it can remove electrons from tissue that’s diseased along with pathogenic stressors.
There are several names for these products on the market including Miracle Mineral Supplement and Chlorine Dioxide Solution. Despite the names, they are all essentially bleach therapy. Should you try this therapy?
What Does the Research Say?
Despite being on the market, these solutions have the potential to be dangerous. They are caustic and could damage the tissues, including the digestive tract when ingested. Additionally, the FDA says that there have been reports of other dangerous side effects when using these solutions including nausea, vomiting, and low blood pressure. Depending on how the therapy is administered, it could cause issues with the eyes, the ears, or the skin.
To date, there have not been any controlled studies that have researched the use of bleach therapy for autism. All of the supposed evidence surrounding this treatment has been anecdotal and the testimonials are uncontrolled and unproven. It’s seen by the vast majority of doctors and researchers to be dangerous, not to mention questionable, in terms of the “science” behind it.
Those who find a doctor, facility, or specialist that offers this type of treatment for those on the autism spectrum should avoid it entirely. They should also avoid those professionals, as they aren’t using tried and true therapies. There is far more risk of harm when using bleach therapy for autism than there is the possibility for good.
We know that you want to find quality therapy and treatments that can work and that will provide actual help. We understand that you might feel as though you’re at your wit’s end. At PBS Therapy, we can offer an array of services including in-home ABA therapy, social skill groups and parent training. Get in touch to learn more about how we can help you and your child.
