When Couples Disagree Over Biomedical Approaches for Autism

Lynn Hudoba www.autismarmymom.com We are grateful to Lynn for publishing this essay — hers is a difficult position, and she is brave to share her experiences so that others can learn from them. A reminder: while The Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism commenting policy encourages civil disagreement, personal attacks will be deleted.  -Editors If you’ve ever considered pursuing biomedical interventions or “biomed” for your child with autism, you are probably aware that these approaches — which include special diets, dietary supplements, off-label prescription drugs, and heavy metals detoxification — are controversial. Biomed proponents believe their approach can “recover” children with autism, and reduce or eliminate autism symptoms. The mainstream medical community considers many biomed interventions unproven and untested, and some, such as heavy metals chelation, potentially harmful. It is not surprising that attitudes towards biomed approaches get polarized. Still, every family I know has consensus about biomedical approaches. Not mine.…