In the October 2010 issue of Scientific American, Nancy Shute writes about the rising number of autism cases and the frustration many parents are finding in the search for treatment. The article contents that parents often turn to unproved therapies and off-label use of medications. The following are some examples Ms. Shute calls “dubious”:

• Immunoglobulin — injected antibodies approved for leukemia and AIDS, this treatment can cost as much as $10,000 for one infusion.
• Stem Cells — injected over several days, this treatment must be done out of the United States as it is still highly controversial.
• Lupron — injected drug normally used for prostate cancer, this can cost as much as $5,000 a month.
• Sensory Integration Therapy — pressure applied to the body with blankets or machines, this treatment can cost up to $6,000 a year.
• Chelation — injected drug used to purge lead and mercury, this can cost as much as $3,000 for six months.
• Secretin — injected hormone that costs about $90 a week.

According to the article, many alternative treatments come with a host of additional risks and complications.  The complete article, entitled “Desperation Drives Parents to Dubious Autism Treatments” can be found here.