IL autism doctor under scrutiny in MO

An autism doctor who operates clinics in St. Peters and Springfield, IL, has been suspended in two states for alleged mistreatment of children. Mark Geier, MD, has been accused of misdiagnosing children with early puberty and treating them with high doses of Lupron, a drug used to suppress the hormone testosterone. Geier operates autism treatment clinics called ASD Centers in at least eight states. Maryland, his home base, suspended his license in April. Washington state followed a month later. A doctor who is disciplined in another state is also subject to discipline in Missouri and Illinois. A spokesman for the Missouri healing arts board would not confirm an investigation of Geier, whose license is active. A preliminary hearing on Geier's Illinois license is set for Aug. 22 in Chicago. Geier referred questions to his Maryland lawyer, Jay Schwartz, who said he is under a gag order.