New FDA Warning Page Vanishes, Raising Concerns Over Autism “Cures”

The Food and Drug Administration quietly removed a government webpage that had warned about harmful autism treatments such as chelation, hyperbaric oxygen, chlorine dioxide and raw camel milk. The site was taken down at the end of 2025 because it had not been updated since 2019, according to a statement from the Department of Health and Human Services. An archived copy still exists online.

Advocates Alarmed

Some autism advocates are alarmed by the removal. Zoe Gross of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network argues that the warnings remain crucial because people are still exposed to dangerous alternatives. “These treatments can kill people,” she says.

Chlorine Dioxide: A Dangerous Promised Cure

Clorine dioxide, a chemical used as a bleach and disinfectant, has been promoted by some as a cure for everything from cancer to autism. Senator Ron Johnson supported a book that claims the diluted chemical can treat a wide range of illnesses, and he praised it on his campaign materials. The FDA has long cautioned against ingesting the substance, warning that it can cause serious health problems.

Shift in Federal Guidance

The change in federal guidance coincides with actions by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the new Health and Human Services secretary, who has a history of rejecting mainstream science on vaccines and autism. Last spring he hired a vaccine critic to join the agency, and in January he reshuffled an autism advisory panel to include proponents of untested therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen and chelation. Kennedy has publicly called for the FDA to lift restrictions on studying chlorine dioxide, even as no official study exists.

Controversial Panel and Past Tragedies

Critics point out that the CDC’s vaccine page has been altered to emphasize that vaccines do not cause autism, but with an asterisk noting political agreement. The new autism panel now includes individuals who have promoted controversial treatments, including the use of a drug for sleeping sickness and hyperbaric chambers. Past tragedies—children who died during chelation or after a hyperbaric chamber fire—highlight the risks of these unproven methods.

Experts Warn of a Dangerous Shift

Experts like Dr. Paul Offit and Dr. Fred Volkmar warn that the removal of experienced members from advisory committees signals a shift toward “bogus therapies.” They emphasize that evidence‑based treatments and early diagnosis can lead to significant improvements for people with autism, but the federal government’s new stance may mislead parents and divert resources from proven interventions.