An investigation has been launched amid claims a person fraudulently posing as a doctor offered bone marrow injections as part of an experimental procedure on children with autism.
Greenwich Council, in south-east London, shared a warning with schools and nurseries amid concerns the person "claiming to be a doctor" intends to travel to the UK next week in order to offer the fraudulent treatment. The National Autistic Society has said: "There is no known 'cure' for autism." A Met Police spokesperson told The Mirror: "Police are investigating the circumstances of a reported fraud relating to the provision of medical services.
"Enquiries are ongoing to establish the identity of the person(s) behind these adverts and to confirm where they are based. "There is no evidence to suggest that the person(s) behind these adverts has treated anybody in the UK. We are working closely with local authority and NHS partners. The person has offered the "transfer of bone marrow and spinal fluid to the brain by injection," which Greenwich Council said "poses a significant threat to life."
A Greenwich Council spokesperson told The Standard: "The safety and welfare of our children and young people is of the utmost importance. The council was recently made aware of concerns that an individual claiming to be a doctor plans to visit the UK to offer dangerous, experimental procedures on children with autism. We immediately issued a warning to our schools and nurseries.
“We understand that this person is proposing the transfer of bone marrow and spinal fluid to the brain by injection. This unlicensed procedure poses a significant threat to life and there is no evidence of any benefits. The limited intelligence available suggests that the individual plans to arrive in the UK on 22 April 2024." The Mirror has contacted Greenwich Council for comment.
The National Autism Society has shared several other products that have been promoted as bogus autism cures. Three dangerous products in particular have been peddled as 'cures' for autism:
- GcMAF, an unlicensed blood product
- MMS, a bleach banned for human consumption
- CEASE, a 'therapy' without any scientific credibility which discourages vaccinations and recommends potentially dangerous levels of nutritional supplements.
Do not use these products in any circumstances. They have no benefit and could be very harmful.