SECRETIN TEST RESULTS
DR David O’Connell

As promised in first issue of The Autism File, here is a breakdown of results from a base of 278 patients following the first secretin injection: An improvement of >30% 35% An improvement of <30% 30% An improvement but not measured accurately by parents on IBSE score 11% Those who had no change at all ie 0% 7% Due for follow up over the next few weeks 8% Not continued treatment for various reasons 9% The latter figure includes a number who have seen an improvement but have not recorded events clearly enough for us to ascertain what has caused the change. Reasons for not continuing with treatment included starting another therapy or new school; changing diet; too far to travel for treatment; and finances.

These figures change slightly every day. Since compiling them two need to be moved from the ‘not continued treatment’ classification to the <30% category. Of those showing no improvement, a number have gone on to have second injections, but as yet I do not know how they are getting on. From the few who have had a second injection, it seems to be 50/50 as to whether or not they will improve. The feeling in America is that they should persevere and have a third injection.
As for adults, I think it is certainly worth trying. A few have had absolutely no change from the first injection and have left it there. Others did have a response to the first, but mixed results to the second, though some felt the results were not substantial enough to continue. Personally, I feel that the problem is more established post puberty, and therefore it may take longer for results to be seen.
The miracle overnight cures are the minority, but they certainly do happen. The most usual course of events is for steady, gradual changes to be seen, especially with hindsight six to eight weeks after the injection, and these improvements are built on with each subsequent injection. The child is more reasonable, it is possible to negotiate with him/her, much more eye contact, sleeping through the night, improved bowel habits, (and even reports of being toilet trained), socialising with siblings/friends and copying their behaviour etc, better concentration, more observant, better able to learn. These are the real improvements.
We have had reports of hyperactivity/aggressiveness, which usually only last a few days, but can last weeks. This is actually a good sign, as it is basically withdrawal of the opiod polypeptides, or ‘cold turkey’, and means the secretin is working. It seems the children are becoming more aware following secretin. When this happens they become naughty and it is as if they are compressing a whole childhood’s worth of naughtiness or boundary seeking into a few months, and this is encouraging.
The length between injections varies from child to child. Some seem to require it every four weeks, and at the other extreme, there are those still going strong 12 weeks later, but I think eight weeks is a good average.
I am putting together at least two, but probably three new protocols for treating autism, to help support the effects of secretin that will primarily be more diet/nutrition based but with some prescription items, and we will also have a range of tests (blood, urine and stool) available and accessible too. Our aim is to have these on line in January 2000, and we intend to mailshot anyone who has already been in touch with us. If you are not already on our mailing list and would like to be, our details are:

Dr David O’Connell ­ 41 Elystan Place, Chelsea Green, London SW3 3JY Tel: 0171 584 9779 www.drdavidoconnell.co.uk Email: doc@drdavidoconnell.co.uk