Autism Research Study in Phoenix and Tucson Areas

Researchers at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine are investigating heavy metal toxicity and autism in an upcoming chelation study.

Tempe, AZ (PRWEB) October 7, 2005 -- With autism spectrum disorders affecting about 1 in 166 children in the United States, researchers are scurrying to discover causes and treatments. The effects of heavy metals on autism are currently unknown.

Researchers at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) are investigating heavy metal toxicity and autism in an upcoming chelation study. The study, “DMSA Treatment of Children with Autism and Heavy Metal Toxicity” will be led by Matthew Baral, N.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatric Medicine at SCNM. The team of researchers, including James B. Adams, Ph.D., Adjunct Professor in the Division of Basic Medical Sciences at SCNM, Walter Crinnion, N.D., Director of the Environmental Medicine Center of Excellence at SCNM, and Sanford Newmark, M.D., from the Center for Pediatric Integrative Medicine in Tucson, AZ will begin enrolling participants in this two-part research study in October 2005.

To participate in this study, individuals must be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and be between the ages of 3-8 years old. The study will be conducted in two phases. In Phase I, participants will receive 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and be evaluated for presence of toxic heavy metals. Participants with heavy metals will receive DMSA or a placebo in Phase II, a double-blind, placebo controlled trial. DMSA is a FDA-approved medication for treating lead poisoning. Some of the participants will also receive glutathione, an antioxidant naturally produced by the body. The study is sponsored by the Wallace Foundation and will be conducted at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine.

Parents interested in the study can call Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine at 480-858-9643 extension 520 or email m.baral@scnm.edu.

If you are an accredited member of the media and would like further information or to request an interview, please contact: Robyn Mulia at 480-858-9100 ext. 224.

About Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
Located in Tempe, Arizona., and founded in 1993, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine is an accredited higher learning institution. It offers a four-year medical program that trains students to become primary care physicians. Naturopathic medicine emphasizes the body’s innate ability to self-heal. It draws on a rich history of natural, nontoxic therapies in combination with current medical advances. The scope of practice includes all aspects of family and primary care using integrative modalities such as acupuncture, homeopathy, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, manipulation, and pharmacology. For more information, visit www.scnm.edu.

###