"DAN" Protocol. Defeat Autism Now

Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!) therapy was an initiative created by a group of physicians and scientists seeking to treat autism through alternative biomedical methods. This initiative began in the 1990s and became quite popular among some parents of children with autism. However, it is important to note that many of the treatments promoted by DAN! are not supported by solid scientific evidence and can be controversial. DAN! physicians performed detailed evaluations to identify possible metabolic imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, hidden infections, and gastrointestinal problems in children with autism.

The therapy often includes a wide range of vitamin and mineral supplements, such as vitamin B6, magnesium, and other nutrients, with the idea of ​​correcting deficiencies and improving neurological functioning.

Many DAN! protocols recommend specific diets, such as the gluten- and casein-free diet, based on the theory that certain foods can exacerbate autism symptoms.

Treatments to remove suspected toxins and heavy metals from the body are also used, including chelation therapy, which is controversial and potentially dangerous.

In some cases, DAN!-affiliated physicians prescribe antifungal medications or antibiotics to treat chronic infections thought to be contributing to autism symptoms.
Interventions promoted by DAN! lack strong scientific evidence to support their effectiveness in treating autism. Systematic reviews of the medical literature have found no conclusive evidence that these treatments are beneficial. In 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a statement warning against the use of the DAN protocol, stating that "there is no scientific evidence to support the use of any of the interventions promoted by the DAN protocol."

Some treatments, such as chelation therapy, can have serious side effects, including kidney damage and, in extreme cases, death. Other treatments can also be dangerous without proper supervision by a health care professional.

DAN! therapies often involve significant cost, which can be a considerable financial burden on families without offering clear, science-backed benefits.

By focusing on unproven treatments, families may be diverted from evidence-based interventions such as behavioral therapy, educational support, and speech and language interventions, which have been shown to be effective in helping individuals with autism.

DAN! therapy represents an alternative approach to autism treatment that has appealed to many parents due to the perceived lack of options in conventional treatment. However, due to the lack of scientific evidence and associated risks, it is crucial that parents and caregivers seek out evidence-based treatments and consult with qualified health care professionals for autism management.

Neither the entire DAN! protocol nor any of the practices supported by it have been supported by scientific evidence. Practices include: diets, chelation for removal of heavy metals, incorporation of minerals, vitamins, trace elements, etc., deworming, antibiotic treatments, antifungal treatments, etc.