A SWINDON MP has welcomed the move to ban adverts claiming to cure autism.

The Advertising Standards Authority has ordered 150 UK homeopaths to stop claiming they can cure the condition, including a prominent Wiltshire-based homeopath.

The controversial CEASE therapy, which stands for Complete Elimination of Autistic Spectrum Expression, claims to eliminate traces of toxic substances like vaccines and antibiotics using homeopathy to reverse the symptoms of autism.

Robert Buckland, MP for South Swindon and solicitor general to the government, told the Adver: "I am glad to see that action is being taken.

"Autism is not an illness or a disease and should not be treated as such. Autism is a lifelong condition and those who seek to profit by deception should be called out."

Guy Parker, the chief executive of the advertising watchdog, explained why it was important to stop the false and potentially harmful treatments, which can include high doses of Vitamin C or Zinc.

"Paramount is that ads must not falsely claim that a product is able to cure an illness or developmental disability. And ads must not discourage essential treatment for conditions for which medical supervision should be sought. he said.

"Overdosing on vitamin C might not sound particularly grave, but diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps, amongst other symptoms, aren’t pleasant.

"If a child was to suffer from them, the consequences could be severe, more so than they would be for an adult. Too much zinc again conflicts with NHS advice, risking anaemia and weakening of bones.

"Sadly, there are few barriers to becoming a CEASE therapist. Various websites promote training courses that last three to five days, after which practitioners will be ‘qualified’ to administer the ‘treatment’ unchecked."

The regulatory body for the Society of Homeopaths, the Professional Standards Authority, has said the society must state next month what action will take place to ensure children's safety in light of the ruling.

Andrea Dell, a practising homeopath who offers the treatment in Wiltshire, was contacted by the Adver but did not reply before it went to press.

A website of registered CEASE practitioners states that she qualified in 2011.

It adds: "Andrea has used CEASE Therapy as part of Homeopathic Treatment in children on the Spectrum as well as patients with ME/CFS or other longstanding modern diseases, especially after extensive use of pharmaceutical drugs."