June 30, 2025
Dear CBS News Editorial Team,
We are writing in response to Sara Moniuszko and Alexander Hunter’s article, Autism detox treatments are not science-backed and have health risks, experts warn. We appreciate the article’s thorough investigation into the dangers of pseudoscientific autism “detox” treatments, which place autistic individuals at severe risk of physical harm, including internal injury, toxicity, and even death. As the article highlights, misinformation surrounding autism treatments is a pressing concern that demands stronger regulatory oversight and public awareness.
The promotion of “detox” therapies, such as chelation and zeolite-based products, exploits vulnerable parents seeking immediate and effective treatments for their children. Unfortunately, these practices, often marketed as natural or alternative remedies, can create dangerous outcomes for autistic children and their families. For example, chelation therapy involves administering compounds, typically through oral supplements or intravenous injections, that claim to remove heavy metals from the body, despite no scientific evidence that autistic individuals have higher levels of such metals. Chelation is only approved for very specific conditions like lead poisoning, and its misuse can lead to kidney damage, electrolyte imbalances, and even death.
The article also highlights zeolite, a mineral compound often used in water filtration and industrial products, which is now being sold in sprays, tinctures, and powders with false claims of detoxifying the body or curing autism. There is no published data supporting zeolite’s use for autism treatment. Certain types of zeolite, like fibrous erionite, have been linked to serious lung diseases, including mesothelioma, when inhaled. These products pose dangerous health risks to individuals.
Additionally, the article effectively underscores the influential role of social media in amplifying these dangerous claims, thereby facilitating the rapid and widespread dissemination of misinformation. Platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube can serve as conduits for pseudoscientific content, reaching large audiences with minimal oversight. By highlighting this, the article brings much-needed attention to how misinformation can thrive in unregulated digital spaces.
One of the article’s greatest strengths is its emphasis on the real-world consequences of these false treatments and the emotional toll they can take on families. By including interviews and expert commentary, the piece paints a compelling picture of how misinformation not only endangers autistic individuals physically but also misleads well-intentioned caregivers. This notion aligns strongly with the mission of the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT), which advocates for the use of scientifically validated treatments and public education to combat potentially harmful practices.
The article could be strengthened by more explicitly highlighting evidence-based alternatives. While the dangers of pseudoscience are clearly outlined, a brief mention of some safe, research-supported interventions could have further reinforced the message that support does exist, just not in the form of these so-called “detox” treatments. These include Applied Behavior Analysis therapies, speech and occupational therapy, and, when appropriate, FDA-reviewed medications for co-occurring symptoms such as aggression or irritability.
Overall, Hunter & Cerullo’s article makes a significant contribution by exposing the risks of unproven “detox” therapies and calling attention to the broader issue of autism misinformation. We at ASAT commend the author and CBS News for publishing this important piece and for supporting journalism that brings clarity and accountability to a topic often clouded by pseudoscientific claims.
Sincerely,
Harshita Nekkanti, ASAT Extern
Reva Mathieu-Sher, Ed.D., BCBA
Association for Science in Autism Treatment
