In a disturbing trend that's gaining attention, a social media influencer known as Kerri Rivera is pushing industrial bleach as a false "cure" for autism. Despite stark health warnings and alarming reports from parents about their children's severe illnesses following her suggestions, Rivera continues to promote this hazardous advice, which could have dire consequences.

With over 17,000 followers on Instagram, Rivera encourages parents to administer chlorine dioxide (CD) to their autistic children. This potent chemical is not only used for industrial purposes like bleaching textiles but is also known for its potential lethality. Health experts have condemned Rivera's promotion of these so-called cures as “sickening,” emphasizing that it is “wrong, dangerous, and harmful” not just for autistic children but for their families as well.

Inside one of Rivera's private support groups, messages reveal that parents reported disturbing symptoms in their children after following her unverified advice. Reports include incidents of vomiting, rashes, seizures, and urine with a chemical odor. One parent expressed concern, stating, “I have noticed a high ammonia-smelling urine in my daughter's pull-ups... I imagine these are the parasites dying and leaving behind their toxins. Is this a good sign to be smelling this?” Rivera misleadingly reassures parents that these adverse symptoms are indications that the treatment is working, dismissing legitimate health concerns as signs of “detoxification.”

On her Instagram page, Rivera claims that “autism is treatable,” a statement that contradicts established scientific understanding. Autism is recognized as a lifelong neurological condition with no known cure. Importantly, research has shown that it cannot be acquired nor is it caused by parasites or viruses. Rivera's TikTok account has also attracted a following of over 3,000 users, and both platforms remain active as she continues to propagate her harmful claims.

Previously, Rivera operated an Amazon storefront that sold books and products promoting these dangerous claims, but this page was shut down after a concerted petition effort by advocacy groups. The Independent has reached out to both Meta and TikTok for comments regarding the ongoing issue.

According to the UK Health Security Agency, ingesting chlorine dioxide can lead to severe health repercussions, including immediate pain characterized by burning sensations in the mouth, throat, and stomach, as well as abdominal pain, vomiting blood, and difficulty breathing. In the most serious cases, it could lead to hemorrhagic or hypovolemic shock, conditions that severely reduce blood flow and oxygen to vital organs.

Children are particularly vulnerable; ingestion of this chemical can damage the bowel lining, resulting in abnormal urine and stool colors and may even cause seizures. Nevertheless, Rivera persists in promoting her so-called CD “protocol” online, providing guidance to parents on how to manage their children’s health crises.

Tim Nicholls, assistant director of policy, research, and strategy at the National Autistic Society (NAS), expressed outrage at Rivera's promotion of the misleading “protocol.” He asserted, “It is sickening that this so-called ‘protocol guide’ for parents of autistic children claims to treat or cure autism. This information is wrong, dangerous, and harmful to autistic people and their families, and to our charity.” Nicholls stressed that no parent or caregiver should be led to believe that administering a potentially life-threatening chemical is a viable option for their child.

The NAS urges individuals to report any products or procedures that claim to treat or cure autism to the Food Standards Agency, highlighting the necessity for accountability in the face of false claims. Jolanta Lasota, chief executive of Ambitious about Autism, echoed these sentiments, warning about the dangers of fake cures propagated online. “Fake cures peddled online can be incredibly dangerous to the health of autistic children and young people,” she noted. She further advised parents to seek information from reputable sources such as the NHS and to remain vigilant against these online scams.

As the situation unfolds, it's clear that the misinformation surrounding autism and its supposed treatments poses a significant threat. Rivera has yet to respond to requests for comment, and a petition demanding her account’s removal has garnered over 30,000 signatures, reflecting widespread concern over her dangerous messages.