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WARNING! FAKE AUTISM CURES

http://autism.about.com/od/treatments/a/snakeoil.htm

WARNING !!! Fake Autism "Cures" on the Market

from Floyd Tilton

Parents Beware

For years, people with chronic, incurable illnesses have been easy prey for the con man and medical quack. These unscrupulous "snake oil" salesmen have made millions of dollars off of the pain and suffering of loved ones and patients. They know that where there's an absence of hope, there's money to be made, and like vultures, they circle their prey and then swoop down to devour them.

Now these individuals are circling the autism community, looking for easy prey. They realize that many parents of children on the autism spectrum are so desperate that they will try anything in an attempt to help their child. On June 29, 2000, the "Las Vegas Sun" reported that a Nevada company was charged with selling adulterated, misbranded and new and unapproved drugs, improperly acting as pharmacists, and false advertising on their Internet website.

As autism gets more publicity in the media, you can be assured that those who want to make a killing on "fake cures", will discover the desperation of some parents, and the number of cases such as this will increase.

It's time for each of us affected by autism spectrum disorders to take precautions to make certain that we do not become victims in our search for a cure. There are several things that you can do to protect yourself and your child.

  1. Talk to others who have purchased products from the company you want do business with.
  2. Remember the old adage, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."
  3. Check with autism support groups to find out if they have had complaints against the company. Check the forum at this site for other parent's opinions.
  4. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if complaints have been filed previously.
  5. Consult with your physician before buying anything advertised as a treatment.
  6. Don't be swayed by "high pressure tactics".
  7. Read the label information to find out who manufactured the product and check them out.
  8. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
  9. Don't fall for emotional appeals. Don't buy from someone who appeals to your fears.
  10. Contact your state's Consumer Protection Agency to see if complaints have been filed against the company in question.
  11. As much as I would like to prevent it, do not assume a product advertised on the autism site is safe or appropriate. Advertising is business and this site or the guide have no control over the advertising.

Of course, there are legitimate companies that sell pharmaceuticals over the Internet, but these will not be afraid to answer your questions and they will invite your investigation of them. They have nothing to hide. They can supply credentials, references, customer lists and other things to prove their legitimacy. The con man, however, will try to avoid giving specific information that can be checked by the customer, since they would be found out if they were investigated.

A little time on your part will pay big dividends as you seek to help your child. Remember, there's no rush to make a decision. It won't make any difference if you wait a few days to start a treatment plan. The treatment that will work on Tuesday will work just as well if it begins on Friday. The extra time to investigate may be what you need to avoid being the victim of fraud and dashed hopes and worst of all, damaged health. <>zSB(3,3);if(!z336){var zIsb=gEI("adsb");if(zIsb){zIsb.style.display="inline";zIsb.s tyle.height="0px";zIsb.style.width="0px";}var zIss=gEI("adss");if(zIss){zIss.style.display="inline";zIss.s tyle.height="0px";zIss.style.width="0px";}}

MsSteelersFan38573.3049189815

Thanks michelle. I think this is a very sad thing that happens that everyone needs to be aware of. 

Karrie

In my opinion I think they are mentioning anything in general that claims to CURE autism should be investigated and could very well be a scam since there is NO CURE for autism.

thanks, michelle. It makes me really sad that you even have to print this. Really sad. janet

But what "fake cures" is it talking about?  It doesn't name any of them.  Are there some specific cures out there right now that is trying this approach?  Or is it talking in general terms?  As the old saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is.

Tammy

I would have to agree its a sad to think of people who try to take advantage of parents just trying to help their children.

Its sad that people seem to prey on our desire to help our kids, ugh
 

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