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Castration Drug Claims Rile Autism Community

Experts blast flimsy science, lack of testing

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted May 21, 2009 11:21 AM CDT
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(Newser) – A drug used to chemically castrate sex offenders is being touted as a "miracle" autism treatment, but many leading doctors say the use of the chemical is medically indefensible, the Chicago Tribune reports. Lupron blocks testosterone, and users embrace the unsupported theory that autism emerges from a link between the hormone and mercury. Parents insist the drug has helped kids who've been treated with Lupron.

"Lupron is the miracle drug," says Mark Geier, the doctor who is marketing the pricey treatment, though he isn't an autism specialist. He points out that Lupron reduces the incidence of behaviors such as aggression and masturbation. But critics say it also puts puberty on hold, can disrupt normal development, and may damage the heart and bones.

Leo Lytel, 9, poses for a photograph at his home in Washington earlier this month. Leo was diagnosed with autism as a toddler, then recovered.
Leo Lytel, 9, poses for a photograph at his home in Washington earlier this month. Leo was diagnosed with autism as a toddler, then recovered.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Doctors dismiss the painful treatment, saying it has no medical basis and may be harmful to the children.
Doctors dismiss the painful treatment, saying it has no medical basis and may be harmful to the children.   (Shutter stock)
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It has become a cottage industry of false hope, and false hope is no gift to parents. You are using your child as a guinea pig. - Alison Singer, president of
the Autism Science Foundation

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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
freethemall
May 21, 2009 8:14 AM CDT
But if they masturbate won't they go blind? Or might they not work themselves up into a sexual frenzy and become more violent? It's bad enough that they physically abuse themselves, now you want them to sexually abuse themselves as well?........................................................................(tongue in cheek).
fancygapva
May 21, 2009 4:59 AM CDT
There are other drugs that reduce aggression and many boys with Autism don't learn to masturbate, and there is some discussion in individual cases whether learning to do so might also reduce aggression. In any case such a treatment is similar to recent stories about a couple who chemically and surgically prevented adolescence in their developmentally disabled daughter in order to keep her small for life. Drastic medical treatement when in many cases ordinary medications coupled with behavioral therapy can accomplish the same goal without depriving the child of a normal growth and maturation cycle.

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autism • puberty • alternative treatment • medication • aggression • Lupron • Mark Geier

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