Twin Study Claims Autism Reversal Through Interventions

The study claims that autism symptoms were reversed in twins through personalized lifestyle and environmental interventions.

A groundbreaking study that claims its subjects had their autism reversed through dietary and therapeutic interventions has been met with intense criticism from advocacy groups and experts on the neurodiverse condition, who have labeled it “deeply insulting.” This backlash emphasizes the ongoing debate regarding the nature of autism and its treatment, igniting discussions about the implications of such findings on society’s understanding of this complex condition.

In recent years, the prevalence of autism and the awareness surrounding it have significantly increased, leading to more discussions about neurodiversity and the inclusion of individuals with autism in society. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately one in 100 children worldwide are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This rising statistic has sparked a growing emphasis on acceptance and integration, as many experts recognize autism as a lifelong condition.

However, a recent report from the University of Maryland in the US has challenged these widely held beliefs by offering new insights into the potential “reversal of autism symptoms” through a study involving fraternal twins. The study used a personalized approach focused on lifestyle and environmental modifications, along with various clinical interventions, on two twin girls, referred to as “Twin P” and “Twin L” in the paper.

Both girls were diagnosed with Level 3 severity ASD at approximately 20 months, facing challenges that included limited verbal and non-verbal communication, repetitive behaviors, rigidity around transitions, and gastrointestinal issues. The twins then underwent a two-year program of interventions aimed at reducing “total allostatic load,” which refers to minimizing the cumulative impact of chronic stress and environmental factors on their health and well-being.

Some of these interventions included dietary changes, taking supplements, personalized therapies, and environmental modifications, along with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in the first year. The findings were published in the Journal of Personalized Medicine.

The girls were placed on a gluten-free, casein-free diet, which was also low in sugar and devoid of any artificial colors and ultra-processed foods. “An emphasis was placed on consuming organic, unprocessed, freshly prepared and home-cooked food from local sources, when possible. The family also consulted with a dietician for guidance around these dietary interventions,” the study reads.

“A number of dietary supplements, including omega-3 fatty acids, a multivitamin, vitamin D, carnitine, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, and bio-individualized homoeopathic remedies were taken by both girls. A combination of labs and genomic information were utilised to inform dietary supplementation,” it continued.

In addition to dietary changes, both twins engaged in occupational therapy that focused on neuro-sensory motor reflex integration, a technique believed to support nervous system regulation according to the paper. Moreover, the family worked diligently to reduce environmental toxicants in the twins’ living space by improving indoor air quality and minimizing exposure to potential stressors.

The paper reports that the twins made significant improvements within several months of implementing these interventions. This progress was observed through a reduction of their Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) scores, with Twin P’s scores dropping from 76 to 32—a change described as “a kind of miracle” by one of the pediatricians involved in the study. Twin L’s scores also showed remarkable improvement, decreasing from 43 to 4. These improvements were sustained over a six-month follow-up period.

“While prospective studies are required, this case offers further encouraging evidence of ASD reversal through a personalised, multidisciplinary approach focusing predominantly on addressing modifiable environmental and lifestyle risk factors,” the paper states. The suggestion that “autism can be reversed” has stirred considerable debate, emphasizing the complexities surrounding autism and its treatment.

Despite the study’s findings, it has faced backlash from various autism advocacy groups and online communities. The UK-based National Autistic Society described it as “deeply insulting to the more than 700,000 autistic people in the UK.” In a post on X, the organization added, “this is a case study of a single set of twins using interventions that are themselves questionable. There are absolutely no conclusions at all that can be drawn from this and to suggest otherwise is just irresponsible journalism.”

Autism is widely regarded as a lifelong condition that cannot be reversed, although its characteristics and traits may improve with various interventions. The use of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which the study included, has also been subject to debate. Some experts consider it a notable behavioral approach that can help treat symptoms of ASD. However, the National Autistic Society notes that while ABA is one of the most researched autism treatments, there are “significant limitations and gaps in the research, particularly about long-term effects.” They also highlight that some current uses of ABA are “not sufficiently person-centered” and “too intensive.”

The study continues to face criticism from online communities, with many arguing against its implications. One user on X wrote, “This could not be any worse. Scientists did not ‘discover’ anything based on ONE ethically questionable case study.” Many have also criticized the study for perpetuating the notion that autism is an illness requiring treatment and a cure, a view that many in the community advocate against. According to a report by the NHS, “being autistic does not mean you have an illness or disease. It means your brain works in a different way from other people.” They emphasize that it’s something you’re born with, noting that signs of autism might be observed when you’re very young or not until you’re older.