14. Secretin and autism

Secretin is not medically approved for the treatment of autism. The medical literature currently contains a single standardized study by Dr. Sandler (New England Journal of Medicine, Dec. 1999) that has shown no benefit following a single dose of secretin injected to children with autism or pervasive developmental disorders. This is in complete contrast from another study by Dr. Horvath, a gastroenterologist, who gave secretin to three patients and described a "dramatic" improvement in the behavior of all his injected patients (Journal of Associated Academic Minor Phys. 1998).

So what is the truth? The truth, as in many circumstances, is probably somewhere in the middle.

My experience is based on injecting about 70 children affected by PDD with secretin according to the protocol suggested for pancreatic testing by the PDR (Physician's Desk Reference). My patients were closely followed with the autism rating scale and according to their parents' observation.

The results indicated that although about 75% of parents reported some initial good results to the injection, only about 10% of the children have shown "dramatic" and "difficult to argue with" results. The duration of the effect is also variable in those who are very good responders. Some continue to gradually improve. An example is "patient B" who was a 4 * year old with PDD NOS and no language at all, extremely restless and hyperactive, who one month following the injection was able to sit and communicate in short sentences, was much calmer and had an improved eye contact following two more injections. He did very well and now does well in the regular education system.