Uncovering clues of this mystery condition Q: My two-year-old grandson was just diagnosed with autism. Do you have any information about what causes it and whether there are possible natural treatments? Dr. Wright: Something causes autism -- whether it's a genetic factor or environmental one, there must be an underlying reason for each case. But since those underlying causes are all unknown, the disease is virtually impossible to treat. However, more evidence is pointing to the link between autism and heavy metal toxicity -- particularly mercury. In 2006, a group of researchers took urine samples from hundreds of children and discovered that the ones with autism had much higher levels of a family of proteins called porphyrins. Porphyrin metabolites bind to receptors in the brain and have been linked with both epilepsy and autism. Heavy metals, including mercury, cause the production of abnormally high levels of porphyrins. If heavy metal toxicity is responsible for some of the cases of childhood autism, chelation therapy could be a worthwhile solution. This hasn't been tested or proven in a controlled study at this point, but there have been individuals who have tried it and have had good results. I suggest contacting a physician skilled and knowledgeable in natural medicine to get your grandson tested for heavy metal toxicity. A blood test or a hair analysis won't be sufficient, so make sure the doctor does a chelation test. To find a doctor in your area, contact the American College for Advancement in Medicine at (800)532-3688 or www.acam.org. | 
