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| {{Infobox pseudoscience | | {{Short description|A controversial alternative therapy for autism}} |
| | name = CEASE therapy | |
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| | claims = Incorrect theories around the causes of autism; unevidenced and implausible treatments for autism
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| | topics =
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| * [[Autistic spectrum disorder]]
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| * [[Anti-vaccinationism]]
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| * [[Homeopathy]]
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| * [[Megavitamin therapy]]
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| | origyear =
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| | origprop = Tinus Smits
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| '''CEASE''' (Complete Elimination of Autistic Spectrum Expression) therapy is a bogus<ref>[https://www.asa.org.uk/resource/enforcement-notice-cease-therapy.html Enforcement Notice: CEASE Therapy], ''[[Advertising Standards Authority (United Kingdom)|Advertising Standards Authority]]''</ref> and [[pseudoscience|pseudoscientific]] practice used by [[Naturopathy|naturopaths]] (particularly [[Homeopathy|homeopaths]]) who claim, without evidence, that it can treat or even cure people with [[autism]]. It involves a mixture of supplements, high-dose vitamin C, 'orthomolecular support', dietary restrictions and [[homeopathy]]. The therapy was developed by Dutch doctor Tinus Smits, who claimed to have used it to treat over 300 children with autism. It became more notable in 2017/2018 because of regulatory action taken by professional bodies in The Netherlands, UK and Canada following a series of complaints about unfounded claims.
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| Smits in the book ''Autism Beyond Despair - CEASE Therapy'' stated that autistic children should never be vaccinated.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/science/disturbing-claims-by-homeopaths-1.499955 |title=Disturbing claims by homeopaths |last=O'donoghue |first=Paul |access-date=2019-02-05 |language=en}}</ref>
| | '''CEASE therapy''' (Complete Elimination of Autistic Spectrum Expression) is an alternative treatment approach that claims to address [[autism spectrum disorder]] (ASD) through a combination of [[homeopathy]], [[orthomolecular medicine]], and [[detoxification]] techniques. Developed by Dutch physician [[Tinus Smits]], CEASE therapy is based on the belief that autism is caused by the accumulation of [[toxic substances]] and [[vaccines]] in the body. |
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| == Regulatory action == | | ==Principles of CEASE Therapy== |
| In October 2017 the Dutch Advertising Code Foundation (Stichting Reclame Code) found that the official website for CEASE therapy was in breach of advertising regulations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reclamecode.nl/webuitspraak.asp?ID=199321&acCode|title=2017/00594|publisher=Stichting Reclame|date=3 October 2017|accessdate=13 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=UK Homeopathy Regulation: More on CEASE Therapy |url=http://ukhomeopathyregulation.blogspot.com/2017/10/more-on-cease-therapy.html |website=UK Homeopathy Regulation |accessdate=14 July 2018 |date=24 October 2017}}</ref>
| | CEASE therapy is founded on the idea that [[autism]] and other [[neurodevelopmental disorders]] are the result of [[toxic overload]] in the body. Practitioners of CEASE therapy believe that by removing these toxins, the symptoms of autism can be alleviated or eliminated. The therapy involves several key components: |
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| In the United Kingdom, in April 2018 the [[Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care|Professional Standards Authority]] (PSA) placed some requirements on the Society of Homeopaths (SoH), due to concerns about the way in which members marketed CEASE therapy. The PSA asked the SoH to confirm "what action it will take to ensure children are safe as a condition of its re-accreditation".<ref name=CEASE120homeopaths>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/apr/27/more-than-120-homeopaths-trying-to-cure-autism-in-uk|title=More than 120 homeopaths trying to ‘cure’ autism in UK|publisher=The Guardian|date=27 April 2018|accessdate=13 July 2018}}</ref> The following June the SoH published a position statement advising their members not to imply any cure of autism when marketing CEASE therapy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715064408/https://homeopathy-soh.org/society-publishes-position-statement-on-cease/|title=Society publishes position statement on CEASE|publisher=Society of Homeopaths|date=1 June 2018|accessdate=13 July 2018}}</ref> It has been estimated that more than 120 homeopaths are offering CEASE in the UK though not all are SoH members.<ref name=CEASE120homeopaths /> In its December 2018 accreditation review for the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) the PSA received confirmation from the Federation that none of its registered homeopath members offer CEASE, that any homeopath who offers CEASE would not be accepted onto its register, and that the FHT does not "accept, endorse or insure" CEASE therapy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/docs/default-source/accredited-registers/panel-decisions/annual-review-panel-decision-fht.pdf|title=Annual review of accreditation 2018/19: Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT)|publisher=Professional Standards Association|accessdate=12 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fht.org.uk/therapies/homeopathy|title=Homeopathy|publisher=Federation of Holistic Therapists|accessdate=12 February 2019}}</ref>
| | ===Homeopathy=== |
| | CEASE therapy utilizes [[homeopathic remedies]] to "clear" the effects of [[vaccines]] and other substances believed to contribute to autism. These remedies are often prepared in high dilutions and are tailored to the individual's history of exposure to various substances. |
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| In July 2015 the UK's [[Advertising Standards Authority (United Kingdom)|Advertising Standards Authority]] (ASA) found Teddington Homeopathy's marketing of CEASE therapy in breach of the Advertising Standards Code.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asa.org.uk/rulings/teddington-homeopathy-a15-299143.html|title=ASA Ruling on Teddington Homeopathy|publisher=Advertising Standards Authority|date=22 July 2015|accessdate=14 July 2018}}</ref> The following month the ASA added the company to its list of [https://www.asa.org.uk/codes-and-rulings/non-compliant-online-advertisers.html non-compliant online advertisers] for "making unproven efficacy claims for CEASE therapy".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asa.org.uk/non-compliant/teddington-homeopathy.html|title=Teddington Homeopathy|publisher=Advertising Standards Authority|date=27 August 2015|accessdate=14 July 2018}}</ref> In May 2018 the ASA wrote to homeopaths to remind them that "CEASE Therapists cannot claim to cure autism or make claims regarding detoxification"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114194006/https://www.emmacolley.co.uk/cease-therapy.html|title=CEASE Therapy|publisher=Emma Colley|date=31 May 2018|accessdate=2 January 2019}}</ref> and in July 2018 they upheld an adjudication against Bubbling Life's website, determining that the claims relating to CEASE, vaccination, autism and [[Autism_spectrum|ASD]] could discourage customers from seeking appropriate advice or treatment.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asa.org.uk/rulings/elle-fox--a18-443476.html|title=ASA Ruling on Bubbling Life|date=18 July 2018|accessdate=25 July 2018}}</ref> In March 2019, the ASA published a statement that advertising of CEASE must stop and that they had referred several case to [[Trading Standards]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.asa.org.uk/news/cease-therapy-claims-must-stop.html|title=Why so-called CEASE Therapy claims to 'cure' autism really have to stop|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref>.
| | ===Orthomolecular Medicine=== |
| | This aspect of CEASE therapy involves the use of [[vitamins]], [[minerals]], and other [[nutritional supplements]] to support the body's natural detoxification processes. Practitioners may recommend high doses of certain nutrients, such as [[vitamin C]], [[zinc]], and [[magnesium]], to aid in the removal of toxins. |
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| In [[British Columbia]], Canada, the Board of the College of Naturopathic Physicians investigated three CEASE practitioners <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/homeopathy-for-autism-certainly-not-based-on-science-b-c-health-official-says-1.4677128|title=Homeopathy for autism 'certainly not based on science,' B.C. health official says|publisher=CBC News|date=25 May 2018|accessdate=13 July 2018}}</ref> following complaints from the public and subsequently "determined that naturopathic doctors in British Columbia must not advertise or offer CEASE therapy".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/naturopath-college-outlaws-therapy-promising-complete-elimination-of-autism-1.4682714|title=Naturopath college outlaws therapy that promises 'complete elimination' of autism|publisher=CBC News|date=29 May 2018 |accessdate=13 July 2018}}</ref> As well as this prohibition the College's updated position statements also clarify that naturopathic doctors in BC must not offer anti-vaccination materials or advice (including on social media) and must not imply that vaccination causes autism.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnpbc.bc.ca/changes-to-the-colleges-immunization-standard-and-prohibition-of-cease-therapy-2/|title=Changes to the College’s Immunization Standard and prohibition of CEASE therapy|publisher=College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia|accessdate=20 July 2018}}</ref>
| | ===Detoxification=== |
| | Detoxification is a central component of CEASE therapy. It is believed that by supporting the body's natural detoxification pathways, the accumulation of harmful substances can be reduced. This may involve dietary changes, [[supplements]], and other methods to enhance the body's ability to eliminate toxins. |
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| The American [[FDA|Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) does not strictly regulate CEASE or homeopathic treatments. However, in response to a question about CEASE it has stated that "[the] FDA has warned about the use of products labeled as homeopathic because of concerns that they have not been shown to offer clinical benefits in treating serious and/or life-threatening medical conditions, and that they also may cause serious harm... It deeply concerns us when we see preventable diseases such as measles – a life-threatening infection we thought we had eliminated in the US in 2000 – now making a tragic comeback and threatening our communities, despite having a vaccine available that is safe and highly effective. A factor contributing to the measles outbreak is inaccurate and misleading information about vaccines rather than the reliance on accurate, scientific-based information."<ref name="Guardian 2019-06-07" />
| | ==Controversy and Criticism== |
| | CEASE therapy is highly controversial and has been criticized by the [[medical community]] for lacking scientific evidence and for promoting potentially harmful practices. Critics argue that the therapy's claims are not supported by rigorous [[clinical trials]] and that it may divert families from seeking evidence-based treatments for autism. |
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| In May 2019 Homeopathy International's steering group wrote to CEASE practitioners recommending that they consider changing the treatment's name to EASE (for 'Easing Autistic Spectrum Expression') to avoid the "significant legal risk" from using in their marketing material the original name or its acronym, either of which could be interpreted as "making illegal claims to cure".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611232902/https://hint.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Letter-to-CEASE-practitioners.pdf|title=May 2019 - Letter to CEASE practitioners|publisher=Homeopathy International|date=8 May 2019|accessdate=11 June 2019}}</ref> On 28 June 2019 the [[Good Thinking Society]] (GTS) charity filed a Judicial Review claim to challenge an earlier decision by the PSA to re-accredit the Society of Homeopaths' register. At the time of filing several (GTS alleges it to be over 50) SoH members were still offering CEASE therapy for autism.<ref>{{Cite news|url=|title=Anti-vaccine homeopaths on official list|last=Blakely|first=Rhys|date=29 June 2019|work=The Times|edition=1st|page=6}}</ref>
| | The use of homeopathy, in particular, is contentious, as it is widely regarded as ineffective by mainstream science. Additionally, the emphasis on [[vaccine]] "detoxification" is concerning to many health professionals, as it may contribute to [[vaccine hesitancy]] and undermine public health efforts. |
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| == Expert assessment == | | ==Regulation and Legal Status== |
| Speaking on the subject of CEASE and homeopathy, [[Peter Hotez]], dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at the [[Baylor College of Medicine]], said: "[[Measles]] outbreaks were both predicted and predictable as the anti-vaccine movement starts to affect public health in [the USA]. This is just the beginning – it is a harbinger of a new normal in America... There are no alternatives to vaccination against measles and there is no cure to autism – so it's all made up."<ref name="Guardian 2019-06-07">{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/jun/07/homeopathic-therapies-prevent-measles-cure-autism |title=Exclusive: US homeopaths claim 'therapies' prevent measles and 'cure' autism |last=Pilkington |first=Ed |date=2019-06-07 |work=The Guardian |access-date=2019-06-07 |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
| | In some countries, the practice of CEASE therapy is subject to regulation, and practitioners may be required to adhere to specific guidelines. However, the lack of standardization and oversight in alternative medicine can make it difficult to ensure the safety and efficacy of such treatments. |
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| == References == | | ==Related Pages== |
| <!--- See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Footnotes on how to create references using<ref></ref> tags, these references will then appear here automatically -->
| | * [[Autism spectrum disorder]] |
| {{Reflist}}
| | * [[Homeopathy]] |
| | | * [[Detoxification]] |
| ==Further reading==
| | * [[Orthomolecular medicine]] |
| *[https://www.irishtimes.com/news/science/disturbing-claims-by-homeopaths-1.499955 Disturbing claims by homeopaths] at The Irish Times, 2012 | | * [[Vaccine controversy]] |
| *[https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/cease-therapy-for-autism-homeopathic-quackery-and-self-regulation-by-naturopathic-boards/ CEASE therapy for autism: Homeopathic quackery and “self regulation” by naturopathic boards] at Science-Based Medicine, 2018 | |
| *[https://westminsterautismcommission.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/a-spectrum-of-harmful-interventions-web-version.pdf A Spectrum of Harmful interventions for Autism: a short report] (PDF) from The Westminster Commission on Autism, 2018 | |
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| [[Category:Homeopathy]] | | [[Category:Alternative medicine]] |
| [[Category:Autism]] | | [[Category:Autism therapies]] |
| [[Category:Autism pseudoscience]]
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| [[Category:Anti-vaccinationism]]
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| [[Category:Unnecessary_health_care]]
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| [[Category:Alternative_medicine]]
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A controversial alternative therapy for autism
CEASE therapy (Complete Elimination of Autistic Spectrum Expression) is an alternative treatment approach that claims to address autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through a combination of homeopathy, orthomolecular medicine, and detoxification techniques. Developed by Dutch physician Tinus Smits, CEASE therapy is based on the belief that autism is caused by the accumulation of toxic substances and vaccines in the body.
Principles of CEASE Therapy[edit]
CEASE therapy is founded on the idea that autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders are the result of toxic overload in the body. Practitioners of CEASE therapy believe that by removing these toxins, the symptoms of autism can be alleviated or eliminated. The therapy involves several key components:
Homeopathy[edit]
CEASE therapy utilizes homeopathic remedies to "clear" the effects of vaccines and other substances believed to contribute to autism. These remedies are often prepared in high dilutions and are tailored to the individual's history of exposure to various substances.
Orthomolecular Medicine[edit]
This aspect of CEASE therapy involves the use of vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional supplements to support the body's natural detoxification processes. Practitioners may recommend high doses of certain nutrients, such as vitamin C, zinc, and magnesium, to aid in the removal of toxins.
Detoxification[edit]
Detoxification is a central component of CEASE therapy. It is believed that by supporting the body's natural detoxification pathways, the accumulation of harmful substances can be reduced. This may involve dietary changes, supplements, and other methods to enhance the body's ability to eliminate toxins.
Controversy and Criticism[edit]
CEASE therapy is highly controversial and has been criticized by the medical community for lacking scientific evidence and for promoting potentially harmful practices. Critics argue that the therapy's claims are not supported by rigorous clinical trials and that it may divert families from seeking evidence-based treatments for autism.
The use of homeopathy, in particular, is contentious, as it is widely regarded as ineffective by mainstream science. Additionally, the emphasis on vaccine "detoxification" is concerning to many health professionals, as it may contribute to vaccine hesitancy and undermine public health efforts.
Regulation and Legal Status[edit]
In some countries, the practice of CEASE therapy is subject to regulation, and practitioners may be required to adhere to specific guidelines. However, the lack of standardization and oversight in alternative medicine can make it difficult to ensure the safety and efficacy of such treatments.
Related Pages[edit]
