Autism Is Not an Illness — So Be Cautious of Harmful or Fake “Treatments”

Autism is a natural and lifelong neurodevelopmental difference. It’s not an illness, and it doesn’t need to be cured.

In Australia, if you or your child is autistic, a trusted GP or allied health team may recommend supports to help with:

• Developing daily living or social communication skills

• Supporting mental health challenges like anxiety

• Managing behaviours that may be distressing or harmful

• Enhancing the overall quality of life and independence

However, there are also so-called “treatments” for autism that are not recommended, because they are either unsafe, unproven, or both.

Autism Specialists at Neuronexus Psychology understand that "there is no cure for Autism", it does not need to be cured.

Treatments That Are Not Safe or Effective for Autism

Unfortunately, there are products and services—often advertised as “cures”—that can cause harm or offer false hope. These are not supported by medical or psychological evidence and are not recommended by professionals or Australian health authorities.

Examples include:

• GcMAF injections (unapproved blood cell products)

• Chlorine Dioxide (CD), also called “MMS” or “bleach therapy”

• CEASE therapy, which involves anti-vaccine rhetoric and dangerous supplement doses

• Chelation therapy, aimed at removing heavy metals (often risky and unnecessary)

• Secretin, a hormone without proven benefits

• High-dose vitamins or supplements without clinical guidance

• Raw camel’s milk, which carries health risks and no proven benefits

These are not legitimate treatments for autism and can be physically and emotionally harmful.

Red Flags: How to Spot a Fake Autism Treatment

Be wary of treatments or therapies that:

• Claim to “cure autism”, "reduce autism" or make autism "disappear”

• Promise quick or dramatic improvements in everyone

• Cost a lot of money, especially upfront

• Use personal stories instead of science

• Use words like “miracle,” “trust,” or “faith”

• Aren’t offered by qualified, regulated professionals in Australia

• Are not part of evidence-based NDIS or Medicare-funded supports

  
  

What Does Evidence Say Doesn’t Help?

Australia's National Autism Guidelines caution against certain therapies due to a lack of benefit or insufficient evidence. These include:

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

• Auditory Integration Training

• Neurofeedback for communication

• Omega-3 supplements for sleep or behaviour

• Exclusion diets like gluten-free or casein-free (unless medically needed)

• Oxytocin hormone therapy

Before trying any of these, always speak to a trusted healthcare provider or neurodiversity-affirming clinic.

Where Can Families on the Central Coast Turn for Support?

If you're exploring therapies and want safe, respectful, and evidence-informed guidance, Neuronexus Psychology on the NSW Central Coast is here to help.

At Neuronexus, we focus on:

• Neuroaffirming, trauma-informed care

• Empowering autistic individuals across all ages

• Supporting wellbeing without pathologising autism

• Collaborating with families in a respectful, strengths-based way

We do not offer “cures” for autism, because autism doesn’t need curing — but we do support people to live their fullest, happiest lives.

Reporting Harmful Treatments in Australia

If you come across a treatment being advertised that feels suspicious or unsafe, you can report it through:

• Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA): www.tga.gov.au

• Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC): www.accc.gov.au

• NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (if it's an NDIS provider): www.ndiscommission.gov.au

  
  

Learn More

• Autism CRC – Interventions and supports

• Raising Children Network – Therapies for autism

• Neuronexus Psychology – Our Approach