DOCTORS:

• Introduction
• What are you looking for?
• Some sobering ideas
• Even more sobering ideas
• Sources of candidates (general)
• Screening candidates
• Working with doctors

BEHAVIORAL OPTOMETRISTS & VISION THERAPISTS
 

DENTISTS:

• Sources for candidates
• Amalgam replacement protocols
• ASD Children and dental work

Introduction
Finding a doctor who is compatible with your needs and supportive of your goals, methods, and limits is a very personal matter. What is perfect for one person may be awful for another. This file is a list of some IDEAS, which you should use or ignore as suits YOU.  There is not a cookie-cutter one-size-fits-all "answer" to how find a doctor or what to look for. Your mileage may vary.

What are you looking for?
You may find it helpful to think about what attributes you want from this doctor you are seeking.  For example, you might want someone who is empathetic, listens to you, is flexible, has treated ASD kids a lot, has supervised chelation a long time, etc.  There are lots of different things you may be looking for, in the ideal case.  It may be very helpful to think about these things, and consider which are most important to you.

Some sobering ideas
Sorry to bring this up, but there are very few doctors out there who are really greatly experienced with chelating children with ASD.  This is not wonderful, but it is reality. The really experienced doctors are probably not taking patients, or else have waiting lists that go out for months. This is also not wonderful as regards your prospects for finding the ideal doctor.  Furthermore, after you read this list for a while, you may know as much about various aspects of chelation as some doctors do.  All of this does NOT mean you won't get help with chelation-- it means that there may be some serious trade-offs involved.  Such as traveling farther than you would like, or waiting longer, or having a doctor who will monitor but not direct chelation, or possibly having a doctor who is not as supportive as you'd like. You may need to consider options that are not exactly ideal.

My impression is that a lot of parents do work out ways to "make it work" using their "regular" pediatricians.  Many also wait in line to see Dr. Holmes and others.  And some find a doctor who is willing to listen and learn with them.  What will work for you is a personal decision, and will be influenced by the choices available to you.

Even more sobering ideas
Mercury chelation, and how to do it, are very controversial. There are WIDELY divergent protocols. The biggest danger that I'm aware of regarding mercury chelation is the potential for "mercury redistribution" due to using a higher risk protocol.  There is also some risk from using stuff that can cause adverse mercury reactions (like chlorella). Many doctors do prescribe badly in the area of mercury chelation.  If you would like further evidence of this, try http://www.dmpsbackfire.com/default.shtml    I don't mean to make you worry NEEDLESSLY-- rather I'd like you to worry constructively.  I'm just mentioning that you may want to carefully evaluate the suggestions and prescriptions your doctor provides.  Mercury chelation is, sadly, a risky business.  I've read quite a bit of writing by adults who have STAYED very toxic, so the potential to try a lot of things but NOT get detoxed is real to me. And I believe the stories I've read on this list, from parents and from Andy, of both kids and adults who have had significant problems using higher risk protocols.  Okay, that's my 2 cents worth. You have been warned.

Sources of candidates (general)
Here are some places you can find POTENTIAL CANDIDATES.  If you use several of these ideas, you may (hopefully) come up with prospective doctors.  You can then work on finding one who is suitable for you.

• the DAN doctor list.
• US list: http://www.cgiworker.com/danlist/danlist.html
• outside US list: http://www.autism.com/ari/dannonus.html
NOTE: to be listed on the DAN list, a practitioner must have attended one or more DAN conferences, or state that they agree with the DAN philosophy. (See statement of DAN philosophy: http://www.autism.com/ari/danstatement.html .) As stated on the webpage (5/23/02) "Following is a list of physicians and other practitioners who have attended one or more DAN! conferences, as well as a number of other health practitioners whom we believe to be sympathetic to the DAN! approach." See http://www.autismchannel.net/dana/dan01doc.htm for more detailed comments about DAN doctor's not being certified.
Starting in August 2002, additional information is listed for some of the DAN practitioners. This information is based on a survey which DAN sent out to the practitioners.  It includes a list of which types of treatments the practitioner uses, and when they have attended DAN conferences.  This is intended to try to help parents evaluate whether a particular practitioner is appropriate for their needs.
 
• GSDL will give you referrals to doctors in your area who order their tests. You can call GSDL at (800) 522-4762 from 8AM to 8 PM EST. From the phone menu, select "3" (patient) then "2" (other), and then you will get a live person. State that you are calling for doctor referrals. They will look for these based on your zipcode. They will then send you the information by email, fax, or postal mail. They will NOT give you the information on the phone. This should be a pretty good source of leads to "alternative" type doctors (who may or may not know anything about chelation).

• Ask any local parents groups. Ask other parents. Ask any support groups you know of, in your area. See the list of area groups, at the end of this file.

• Ask any other support people who work with your child (e.g. speech therapist, teachers, etc.)

• Ask on this list or other on-line lists. Write something with your location:, e.g. "I am at the North Pole and need a good doctor. Any recommendations?"

• There are some doctors to whom Andy Cutler consults.  Andy will also consult to other doctors (besides those listed here), by arrangement.  Call for information (425)557-8299 or write to AndyCutler@aol.com .  Andy's comments on this topic can be found at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Autism-Mercury/message/61051   You can read more about Andy here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Autism-Mercury/files/ANDY_INDEX#Who_is_Andy, or at his website: http://www.noamalgam.com
• John Ruhland, ND, in Seattle, Washington. In a couple of months [from 11/02] he will have a nurse practitioner in his office who has worked with developmentally impaired children for many years. (206)723-4891.
• Larry Miller, DO, near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (215)412-4910.
• Dr. Rick Marschall ND, Port Angeles, Washington. (Dr. Marschall no longer sees patients in Tacoma. Port Angeles is several hours from the airport, so this is probably only relevant to people who actually live in Washington somewhere around Port Townsend, Sequim, Port Angeles or certainly west of Bremerton. (360)457-1515
• Karyl Bental, DO, in Augusta, Georgia. (706)627-1301   Dr. Bental is interested in treating developmentally impaired children, and toxic children & adults. She is also a practicing osteopath, and does osteopathic manipulation.
• Dr. Jaquelyn McCandless in Woodland Hills, CA. [She is not listed on the DAN list.]  Dr. McCandless writes on this list.  Dr. McCandless currently has a waiting list of applicants. email: JMcCandless@prodigy.net  You can read more about Dr. McCandless at her website: http://www.Autism-RxGuideBook.net  Her wonderful book is for sale at this website.

• DDI does not give doctor referrals. Their phone message says, instead, that they suggest checking the following websites:
• http://www.acam.org American College for Advancement in Medicine. [Note: some or many of the practitioners on this list may be doing cholesterol/EDTA "chelation" rather than mercury "chelation". Since ACAM advocates EDTA/cholesterol chelation (which is not appropriate for mercury toxicity),  you will need to take care in checking for this. On their list, the designation "CT" means that they are experienced with chelation (but it may be cholesterol/EDTA chelation).  (Note: I have looked at the doctors listed in my area, and there are "alternative" and mercury chelation doctors included. There is also a reasonable amount of overlap here with the DAN list, at least for doctors in my area.)]
• http://www.aaem.org American Academy of Emergency Medicine. [This does not seem very related to me.]
• http://www.aanp.org American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. [This does not seem very related to me.]
• http://www.iaomt.org International Association of Oral Medicine and Toxicology
• Someone on the list recommended checking at http://www.aaem.com American Association of Environmental Medicine.  Sounds good. Please note this is NOT the same as www.aaem.org, which is listed a few lines above!
• Lisa Lewis & Karyn Seroussi have a GFCF diet site and newsletter called ANDI.  The website includes a short list of medical practitioners, here:  http://members.aol.com/autismndi/PAGES/doctors.htm   These are practitioners who have been recommended by members of their group (who are likely to be parents using the GFCF diet).  Please note this list includes a couple of practitioners in Canada and Australia. They also list the following additional (not already mentioned) organizations with practitioner lists:
• http://www.naturopathic.org/  The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
• http://www.healthy.net/clinic/refer/index.html  American Academy of Environmental Medicine
• http://www.medical-library.net/f_search.html  The Alternative  Medicine Network
• Kirkman's is willing to talk with people about doctors who recommend their products. They have a short list of doctors like this, many of whom are likely DAN doctors (but not necessarily all). Call (800) 245-8282 and talk to any of the customer service people.
• http://www.iahp.com/ International Association of Healthcare Professionals. This includes an on-line directory of "alternative" practitioners of many different types-- ND, OD, massage, etc.
• http://www.acnem.org/ Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine; referral service information: http://www.acnem.org/referrals/referal_service_main.htm [This appears to me to be a group that does cholesterol chelation...... I can't tell if they teach mercury chelation.] "ACNEM provides a service to put members of the public in touch with medical doctors and dentists in Australia and New Zealand who have graduated from the ACNEM Primary Course.... There are also some medical doctors and dentists on the referral list in other countries - currently Malaysia, Hong Kong and South Africa.  Although the service is provided free of charge, we do ask those who use the service to make an AU$11 contribution to keep keep it going - we receive no external funding for any of our activities."  This page also lists affiliated Orthomolecular Medicine associations in: Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, UK, Denmark, Beligium, US.

• How do you help new patients to get to know you? May I come in for a consultation to discuss your practice?
• [If DAN doctor:] When did you last attend the DAN conference?
• [If DAN doctor]: How many DAN conferences have you attended?
• How much do you charge? How often are visits typically scheduled?
• Do you take my insurance? [or] Are you on my medical plan?
• Have you supervised mercury (or heavy metal) chelation?
• What methods of mercury (or heavy metal) detox do you use or prefer?
• How did you come to use or prefer these methods?
• What chelation agents do you use?
• Do you require that I use the methods of chelation that you prefer?
• What other requirements do you have of me if my child is your patient?
• Is your practice primarily children with developmental disorders? [or xxx condition]
• Are you willing to learn about mercury (or heavy metal) chelation?
• I am planning to chelate. Will you help me to monitor my child and order tests for us?
• Do you have written materials for new patients? (ask for copy)
• What tests do you typically run on a new patient (with xxx condition)? About how much does this cost?
• What tests do you typically run during chelation? How often? About how much does this cost?
• How do you handle urgent or emergency medical problems?
• Who covers your practice when you are away?
• Do you answer questions by phone or email?

• what do you like about this practitioner?
• what do you dislike?
• how long have you been seeing this doctor?
• what methods of treatment has s/he recommended for your child?
• does s/he listen to your questions?
• how long does s/he usually spend with you?

• The Cranial Academy http://www.cranialacademy.com/ The Cranial Academy has a certification in cranial osteopathy. It is a professional organization of osteopaths. As listed on this page: http://www.cranialacademy.com/finddoc.html , they will send you referrals BY MAIL if you send them a SASE and location you are inquiring about: The Cranial Academy, Referrals, 8202 Clearvista Pkwy #9D, Indianapolis, IN 46256.  (317) 594-0411
• http://www.myofascialrelease.com
• https://www.upledger.com/pract/default.asp  The Upledger Institute
• http://www.iahp.com/ International Association of Healthcare Professionals [Code "CST" and "CST-D" are used for cranial-sacral therapy. The code DO is used for "Doctor of Osteopathy". Some osteopathic doctors do cranial sacral or other similar forms of adjustments. The code "O.M.M." is used for  "Specialist in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine" --I'm not sure but this sounds related.]

• http://www.craniosacral.com/craniosacral.htm

Behavioral optomotrists do a lot of things that other eye doctors do not. For example, they do vision therapy, and test how the eyes work together (or do not).

• www.vision3d.com Optometrists Network -- here is their page to find referrals http://www.optometrists.org/eye_doctors.html
• http://www.covd.org The College of Optometrists in Vision Development -- here is their "find a doctor" page: http://www.covd.org/membersearch.php
• http://www.nora.cc Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association -- here is their "locate a NORA doctor or therapist" page: http://www.nora.cc/locater/index.html
• http://www.oep.org Optometric Extension Program Foundation [Our mission: To advance human progress through education in behavioral vision care.] Here is their find a doctor page: http://www.healthy.net/oep/OEPSearch.htm

• Basic vision info: such as: what is behavioral optometry? what is vision therapy? vision and learning related problems (much more): http://www.healthy.net/oep/VISION.HTM
• What is Vision Therapy? (links to additional articles on this topic): http://www.children-special-needs.org/vision_therapy/what_is_vision_therapy.html
• What is Vision Therapy? http://www.covd.org/od/vt_whatis.html
• What is 3D Vision? (includes a test to see if you have 3D vision) http://www.vision3d.com/stereo.html
• Autism and Vision http://www.covd.org/od/autism.html
• ADHD and Vision http://www.covd.org/od/add.html
• Learning Related Vision Problems (links to articles etc) http://www.optometrists.org/therapists_teachers/vision_learning_dyslexia.html

Sources for candidates

The same general ideas about finding and screening candidates apply as listed about doctors. Be very careful when selecting a dentist. Composite fillings require more skill in placement than amalgam, and the risk for further mercury exposure during amalgam replacement is great. Here are some sources of candidates, for dentists:

• http://www.talkinternational.com/mfdsindex1.htm   this is a list of Mercury Free and Biological dentists.
• http://www.iaomt.org International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology - has a list of dentists
• http://www.holisticdental.org/HDASearch.htm  Holistic Dental Association, Inc.- This link goes to the page to search for members of their organization.
• http://www.altcorp.com/hgfreedentists.htm List of mercury free dentists from ALT Inc.  [Includes Canada, Mexico, Europe, Australia and New Zealand]
• Many health food stores have free "throw away" papers with ads.  Many non-amalgam dentists advertise in these kinds of papers. Check at your local health food store for ads.

Foundation For Toxic-Free Dentistry:  [I did not find a website for this group.]  The FTFD will provide you with a complete package of information which includes all dentists in the state you specify and who have indicated they are Hg-free. Send a #10 SASE with 78 cents postage to:  Foundation For Toxic-Free Dentistry (or just use FTFD), P.O. Box 608010, Orlando, FL 32860-8010 ; Fax: (407) 299-4149
• American Academy of Biological Dentistry; P.O. Box 856, Carmel Valley, CA 93924 fax: (408) 659-2417 [I did not find a website for this group.]
• Environmental Dental Association; 9974 Scripps Ranch Blvd., Ste. #36, San Diego, CA 92131 phone: (800) 388-8124  or (619) 586-1208 [I did not find a website for this group.]  [humm--- I also find them listed here: EDA,  PO Box 2184,  Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067  Phone:   619-586-7626 ]
• DAMS (dental amalgam mercury syndrome): 800-311-6265 dentaltruth@yahoo.com  (I do not see a list of dentists  on the DAMS website: http://www.amalgam.org/  )
• Hal Huggin's office keeps a list of mercury free dentists. Call (888)843-5832
• http://home.iprimus.com.au/asomat/ Australasian Society of Oral Medicine And Toxicology (Australia) "The purpose of the association is to promote concepts of Bio-Compatible dentistry which are supported by scientific, peer reviewed research. "

• IOAMT amalgam removal protocols: http://www.amalgam.org/#anchor65956 or http://mall.turnpike.net/P/PDHA/mercury/iaomt.htm
• Bio-probe amalgam removal protocol http://www.bioprobe.com/faq.asp#question_18
• Hal Huggins' protocol: go to http://www.hugnet.com/ then select "protocol"
• DAMS info on replacement protocol: http://www.amalgam.org/ (see section V.)
• Dr. Richard Hansen, Protocols page:  http://advancedental.com/mercury/protocols.htm

ASD children and dental work:
Here are links to ideas about getting dental work done with children with ASD or special needs::

• http://groups.yahoo.com/group/enzymesandautism/files/Related%20Topics%20and%20Supplements/Dentist%20-%20ideas%20for%20going%20to%20the%20dentist%20with%20a%20child This is a collection of ideas about going to the dentist with a child on the autism spectrum.
• http://www.autism.com/ari/dental.html Autism Research Institute: suggestions regarding use of dental anesthesia.
• http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Autism-Mercury/message/52968 Becky -- comments on dental work done under anesthesia

Below are many local area lists (and a few local area meetings).  A general caveat: some of these lists may not be appropriate places to ask about local doctors.  In most cases I do not know what is discussed on these lists, and all lists have their own culture.  So, check and see.  Hopefully you can find some people in your area who will share their experiences with doctors and other local resources.

I left out many truly tiny lists, and there may be new lists. So, you may also want to search [in yahoogroups, or elsewhere] for additional lists.  This is just SOME of them.

WESTERN U.S.
California - So. CA physicians                http://www.autismchannel.net/dana/socal.htm#physicians
California - So. CA resources (many types!) http://www.autismchannel.net/dana/socal.htm
California - So CA                                 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SoCal-Autism/
CA - So. CA - some biomedical focus      http://groups.yahoo.com/group/autisminterventionsocal/
California - San Diego                           http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AutismIntervention_SanDiego/
California - Santa Barbara                     http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SBATA/
California - Santa Clara biomed (meetings) http://www.php.com/dosig/autism Gaynelle Grover ggrover@brandplan.com
OR - FEAT Oregon                               http://groups.yahoo.com/group/feator/
Northwest US (OR/WA)                       http://groups.yahoo.com/group/phoenixkids/  (some restrictions to join)
WA - King County                                 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AutismKing/ (family members only)
AZ - [focus on Phoenix]                         http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HelpASAP/
CO - brain disorders (wide range)           http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EMPOWER_COLORADO/ [parents & caregivers only]

MIDDLE U.S.
Texas                                                   http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Texas-Autism-Advocacy/
Texas - Collin County North Texas       http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ascc2/
Ohio - biomedical                                  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ohioabmd/
Ohio                                                    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AutismOhio/
Missouri- St Louis                                http://groups.yahoo.com/group/autism-stlkids/
GA (southwest area)                             http://yahoogroups.com/group/albanyautism
GA                                                       http://groups.yahoo.com/group/autism-georgia/
GA - area north of Atlanta (North Fulton) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nfasg/
GA - Albany                                          http://groups.yahoo.com/group/albanyautism/
Alabama (Autism Society of Alabama)     http://groups.yahoo.com/group/autism_alabama/
Indiana                                                  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Autism-Indiana/
Indiana - Columbus                                http://groups.yahoo.com/group/columbus-autism-support/
Illinois [special focus on Chicago] (small)   http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Autism_Kids_Illinois/
Illinois - NE [special focus on Chicago]     http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AutismNews/
Iowa - Des Moines [meetings]               http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aswsouth/
Michigan                                               http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Autism-Michigan/
Michigan: Macomb & St. Clair counties    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Autism-MacombASA/
Michigan                                               http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Michigan_FEAT/
WI (Autism Society of Wisconsin)         http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ASW-Autism
Minnesota                                             http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MNAutism-support/
Nebraska                                              http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AutismInNebraska/

EASTERN U.S.
Florida                                                 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Autism-Florida
Florida - so. Florida                              http://groups.yahoo.com/group/southflorida_autism
Florida                                                 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AutismRecoveryNetwork
Florida                                                 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DenisesList
RI, Newport - parents' group                  Trudy Daileader (401)841-5803 or Debbie Kavanagh (401)841-8888.
NJ - Hunterdon County [meetings]        http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Autism_in_hunterdon list has notices of meetings
NJ                                                        http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NJFamiliesWAutism/
NJ - Bergen County- biomedical focus    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mosaic-List/   [parents only]
NY                                                       http://groups.yahoo.com/group/autism-ny/
Maryland                                              http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Autism_Maryland/
VA - Loudoun County & area               http://groups.yahoo.com/group/P2P-Autism/
VA - ASA - Northern VA                    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ASA-NV/
NC - Raleigh (very small)                      http://groups.yahoo.com/group/raleighmoms/
NC - Wake County-Autism Soc. of NC  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WakeCountyASNC/
SC - South Carolina Autism Society      http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scautismforum/
PA - Harrisburg ASA                           http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ASA-Harrisburg/
Kentucky                                              http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AutismKentucky/

OUTSIDE of the U.S.
UK - biomedical focus                         http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Autism-Mercury-BioMed-UK/
Australia (very small list)                       http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Autism-Australia/
Australia                                               http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AspergersAutism/
Indonesia (small list)                              http://groups.yahoo.com/group/autism-indonesia/
Malaysia -families fighting autism/Malaysia  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pr4a/
Canada: Ottawa - Carelton region          http://groups.yahoo.com/group/autismsupportOttawa/
Canada: New Brunswick (small)            http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AutismNBNews/
Canada: Ontario                                    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AutismOntario/