PETA Got No Ethics As It Exploits Autistic Children

The ad above is found on the PETA web site and is, according to Newsday, featured on a billboard running in Newark New Jersey. Although not in agreement with all their positions or tactics I have always been sympathetic to PETA's alleged goal of seeking ethical treatment of animals. With the above campaign though PETA is not applying high ethical standards to autistic children. PETA is exploiting fear of autism to promote their goals concerning treatment of animals by pushing a connection between cow's milk and autism.

The PETA web site refers to a study in Rome in which "researchers noticed a "marked improvement" in the behavior of autistic children who were taken off dairy products". The study is a 1995 study. The site also refers to testimonial evidence that suggests that removing dairy from diets of autistic children provides relief. The testimony in question is a 2000 article by Karyn Seroussi "We Cured Our Son's Autism".

Although I personally am not persuaded that the evidence, at this time, supports dietary theories concerning autism I am not dismissive of them either. I previously commented in Milk and Autism Connection Claimed on the milk autism connection taking a wait and see approach to such claims. I have also refused to join those who attack parents for their testimonial evidence concerning Gluten Free and Casein Free diets even though I personally am not persuaded by their testimony.

There is already much public discussion of possible dietary influences as causes of autism. But it is a big stretch to say that "studies have shown a link between cow's milk and autism". Particularly when such a claim is linked to a dramatic image of a child's cereal bowl with cereal arranged to show a sad face.

PETA advocates for the ethical treatment of animals. In advancing that goal, it should apply the same ethical standards to its discussion of autism issues and autistic children. PETA officials could start a new branch of their organization - PETAC - People for the Ethical Treatment of Autistic Children.

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A Questionable Autism Partnership, Has Autism Speaks Sold Its Voice?

Autism Speaks has made tremendous contributions in raising autism awareness to a world level including helping to establish the first annual World Autism Awareness Day, April 2 by UN General Assembly Resolution. It's promotion of autism research has been a significant factor in spurring an Autism Knowledge Revolution. It has used the first class media savvy and connections of Bob and Suzanne Wright to help inform and educate citizens and public authorities around the world. I have been an admirer of Autism Speaks. My Camry even sports a blue Autism Speaks magnetic puzzle piece. But now comes news of a partnership between Autism Speaks and Nutricia North America, a company which produces hypoallergenic medical foods. "Under the partnership, Nutricia will sponsor 26 Walk Now for Autism events nationwide. The grassroots program is a signature fundraising for Autism Speaks". For me this raises questions and causes me to ask - has Autism Speaks sold its voice?

Nutricia's food products are used in gluten-casein free diets for autistic children. On a personal level I do not know if such diets are of any value in treating autistic children. I am not dismissive of Jenny McCarthy, or any parent, who asserts that such diets have helped their autistic children but to my knowledge such diets do not, at present, enjoy a solid professional evidence basis for their effectiveness in treating autistic disorders. In an October 29, 2007 press release for its report Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders the American Academy of Pediatrics stated:

“Many parents are interested in CAM treatments such as various vitamin and mineral supplements, chelation therapy, and diet restrictions. It’s important for pediatricians to maintain open communication and continue to work with these families even if there is disagreement about treatment choices, ” said co-author of the reports Scott M. Myers, MD, FAAP. “At the same time, it’s also important to critically evaluate the scientific evidence of effectiveness and risk of harm and convey this information to the families, just as one should for treatment with medication and for non-medical interventions.”

Although use of the gluten-free/casein-free diet for children with ASDs is popular, there is little evidence to support or refute this intervention. More studies are in progress, and it is anticipated that these studies will provide substantially more useful information regarding the efficacy of the gluten-free/casein-free diet.

Studies may eventually provide the evidence to support the claims of effectiveness of gluten-free/casein free diets but those studies should be as independent and objective as possible if they are to be persuasive. On this blog site you will not see any of the commercial advertising that is featured on larger, better known, autism/neurodiversity blogs such as Autism Vox and About.com:Autism. I choose to comment on autism free of the need to keep up visitor totals, Google or Technorati rankings, in order to generate advertising revenue. Such considerations can influence the content of what is posted.

Studies of the effectiveness of glutein/casein free diets in treating autism represent positive developments in seeking more treatment options for autism IF those studies remain free of undue influence. And IF the association in the public mind of such diets with Autism Speaks does not give them a free pass to acceptance as effective autism treatments without the evidence.

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