Autism Research Study in Phoenix and Tucson Areas
Feb 12, 2007
Tempe, AZ (February 12, 2007) – 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 a current chelation study. The study, “DMSA Treatment of Children with Autism and Heavy Metal Toxicity” is being led by Matthew Baral, N.D., and 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.
Participants in this study are individuals who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, Arizona State Residents and are between the ages of 3-8 years old. The study has been conducted in two phases. In Phase I, participants received 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and are evaluated for presence of toxic heavy metals. Participants with heavy metals 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 also receive glutathione, an antioxidant naturally produced by the body. The study is sponsored by the Wallace Foundation and is being conducted at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine.
Results of the research study will be available for review in approximately three months.
If you are an accredited member of the media and would like further information or to request an interview, please contact Salina Bazurto at 480-858-9100 ext. 222.
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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. |
