Autism Research
Autism Research Study in Phoenix
and Tucson Areas
This study is restricted to Arizona participants.
Call 480-858-9643, ext.520 for information.
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 click here to read a special letter for you. If you are interested
in having your child participate in the study, please complete the application
form and the consent form. Please call Southwest College of Naturopathic
Medicine at 480-858-9643 extension 520 if you have additional questions regarding this study.
For further information you may contact:
Principal Investigator:
Matthew Baral, N.D., email: m.baral@scnm.edu
Research Team Member:
James B. Adams, PhD, email: j.adams@scnm.edu
Members of the Media - Please contact:
Salina Bazurto at 480.858.9100 ext. 222 or s.bazurto@scnm.edu for interviews and additional information. You may also contact Susan Kavanaugh at 480-222-9229 or s.kavanaugh@scnm.edu.
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