Germana Carillo A dangerous trend pushes chlorine dioxide as an autism “cure”—despite warnings from doctors. Here’s why it’s not just wrong, but life-threatening.
The internet has never been short on dangerous promises, but one myth that refuses to die is the idea that chemical disinfectants like bleach can “cure” autism. It’s an outrageous claim, repeatedly condemned by the medical community. Yet social media keeps feeding this delusion, giving space to self-proclaimed experts who swear by chlorine dioxide and similar substances.
One of the loudest voices in this disturbing trend is Kerri Rivera, a former real estate agent turned homeopathic practitioner, who has become something of a guru in the fringe world of “biomedical” autism treatment. With over 17,000 followers on Instagram, Rivera continues to promote chlorine dioxide (CD) as a remedy for autism—a substance better known for bleaching fabrics and disinfecting industrial surfaces.
Her rhetoric is reckless. She actively encourages parents to administer CD to their autistic children, positioning it as a vital part of a so-called “protocol.” And despite the widespread condemnation, her community of followers remains engaged and loyal.
When pseudoscience becomes a threat
Medical experts haven’t minced words in calling her claims “disgusting,” “dangerous,” and “harmful to autistic people and their families.” But Rivera shrugs off criticism, framing vomiting, rashes, seizures, and urine with a chemical smell as signs that the treatment is working.
As reported by The Independent, private support group messages linked to Rivera reveal shocking accounts from parents. One parent wrote:
“I noticed a urine smell like ammonia in my daughter’s diapers… I guess these are the parasites dying and releasing their toxins. Is it a good sign to smell this?”
To Rivera, the answer is yes. She insists that autism is caused by “parasites” and “worms”, and regularly reassures parents that symptoms like these are just proof the body is detoxing.
Misinformation, money, and manipulation
Rivera’s influence isn’t limited to Instagram. Until recently, she also sold books and equipment on Amazon promoting these false claims. Her seller profile was eventually taken down—thanks to a petition driven by health advocates—but the damage had already been done. Misinformation spreads fast, especially when it preys on vulnerable families desperate for hope.
And here’s the brutal truth: chlorine dioxide is a toxic oxidizer. If ingested, it can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe dehydration. Multiple public health agencies, including AIFA (the Italian Medicines Agency), have issued warnings about its use in any unapproved treatment—let alone something as complex as autism.
Autism, for the record, is a lifelong neurological condition. It is not caused by parasites or infections. There is no evidence that anyone can “cease” to be autistic, and there is no cure. To suggest otherwise is not just misleading—it’s exploitative.
