A £210-an-hour Edinburgh doctor who runs a private clinic in the capital has come under fire for suggesting autism may be caused by the MMR jab, and that organic chicken nuggets could alleviate symptoms.
A Sunday Mirror probe recorded Dr Lorene Amet claiming that autism is caused by an "adverse reaction” to children being given the MMR jab, despite this claim being repeatedly debunked by science.
The paper investigated the clinic after receiving a number of complaints from concerned parents about the work of Amet’s clinic, that sells an Autism Treatment Plus package – which claims to have improved the development of 80 per cent of its patients.
Emma Dalmayne, a mum who has two autistic children, went undercover to pose as worried mum Petra to discuss fictional Raye, seven.
In the video consultation, the private doctor spoke about how autism is linked to the measles, mumps and rubella vaccination and recommended organic chicken nuggets.
She also claimed that autism can be relieved by changing a child's diet and recommended a strict gluten-free and dairy-free diet without sugar or processed food to help Raye.
During the consultation Amet said “[Doctors] are saying it’s a coincidence that autism symptoms start at 18 months old. But the reality is, we have children who have been given the vaccination earlier than planned and they’ve developed signs of autism at eight months.
"We have children who receive the vaccination much later, even at the age of eight, and they develop signs of autism at that point.
The French-born medic added: “I have no doubt there are children affected by this. Vaccination is a means to cause the system to be overwhelmed. This causes inflammation [and] that affects brain function.
“This can link to gut issues, this can link to behavioural [issues]. And – unfortunately, sometimes these changes are irreversible. I believe eventually it will be accepted.”
When asked if anything would “take it away”, she said: “No1 is the diet.”
She later sent Emma vegan recipes and a report saying her suggestions could have a “profound effect on well-being and behaviour” with “improved bowel habit, appetite and weight regulation, improved sleep patterns, eye contact, speech and sensory issues” among the potential benefits.
According to the paper she also recommended anti-inflammatories to “control the pain” along with urine, stool, hair, food intolerance and blood tests for £971 – available from Autism Treatment Plus.
She also made a three-month plan for Raye, stating that further “treatment” would involve working with other doctors in Geneva.
Investigator Emma, 44, who is also Autistic, said: “I find it alarming that someone who claims to be professional is spreading such fear and misinformation about vaccination.”
“Anti-vaxxing rhetoric is very common on social media and parents looking for help are often led in the wrong direction. They’re blamed for their kids being autistic, because they gave them vaccinations.”
Amet sent Emma an email with the tagline "Autism is treatable" and claimed her child's “challenging behavioural issues” could be solved by changing her diet.
Dr James Cusack, head of research charity Autistica, said: “It’s disgraceful that these private practitioners misinform parents in this way.
"They are selling ineffective tests and treatments that have zero scientific credibility and that could be distressing.”
He advised parents rely on trusted sources such as the NHS, the National Autistic Society or the Autistica website.
Amet told the paper: “You have ulterior motives to affect people who can make a real difference to the lives of these children. So obviously you’re here to attack me at the highest level and to totally undermine my work.”
