There is now a great deal of information available that tells us in no uncertain terms that toxic metals and chemicals such as mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, insecticides and pesticides are a causative factor in many cases of autistic spectrum disorders.

For instance Dr. Jeff Bradstreet, MD, did a study on childen with autistic spectrum disorders which showed a strong association between increased mercury levels in children with autistic spectrum disorders. (Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons, Vol. 8, No. 3, Fall 2003). And James B. Adams, PhD. of Arizona State University found an over 6 fold increase in mercury in children with autistic spectrum disorders in his study as compared to controls.

As well, the latest thimerosal study from Denmark as reported in JAMA Oct 1, 2003 Vol 290 No. 13 where the researchers found "no association" between ASD and thimerosal has been disproven by SAFE MINDS; this conclusion is supported by the data from the Center for Disease Control.

Given the above, most scientists agree that autistic spectrum disorders are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The ability to break down heavy metals appears to be a factor, as does the excessive exposure to potent neurotoxins like thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative used in many vaccines.

There exists a growing body of evidence that certain children are vulnerable to the mercury-based preservative thimerosal, used in vaccinations. Many parents have witnessed the heartbreak of seeing their once happy, connected, completely normal child slipping away into their own little world after their 12 to 18 month booster shots. Here is what Rep. Dan Burton had to say at the 2002 congressional hearing on vaccines:

"My only grandson became autistic right before my eyes - shortly after receiving his federally-recommended and state-mandated vaccines. Without a full explanation of what was in the shots being given, my talkative, playful, outgoing, healthy grandson Christian was subjected to very high levels of mercury poisoning through his vaccines. He also received the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Within a few days he was showing signs of autism."

- Rep. Dan Burton, 2002

Dr. Bernard Rimland, PhD. and Director of the Autism Research Institute, lists a whole page of studies linking thimerosal to autism, and he states :

"Following are some of the scientific studies that demonstrate thimerosal, a mercury-containing substance that is used as a preservative, to be harmful and a highly probable causal factor in autism. Note that these studies are consistently ignored in the medical establishment's publications claiming there is no evidence for vaccine-caused autism".

- Dr. Bernard Rimland, PhD.

And Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in his article "Deadly Immunity", describes what he calls the cover-up by the government of studies implicating vaccination toxins to autism. To view Robert F.

How can a hair analysis help one achieve better health? If we consider that diet is what we consume and nutrition is what we retain, then we can see that discovering what the body needs when it needs it is a valuable tool in creating health.

A hair analysis can determine which essential minerals the body is needing more of and which toxic elements it needs to eliminate. It also provides valuable insight into the body's metaoblism and what dietary changes would be most helpful for recovery.

For more information on the hair tissue mineral analysis, please click here.

View our page on Safe Chelation and Detoxification for Children.

View our Resources for Parents page.

Visit or return to our Natural Therapies for Autism Children page.