I have been going back and forth on posting this, but here we go.
There seems to be a big debate going on as to whether or not immunizations lead to autism in children. Personally, I never thought that could be the case. I am researching it, and I still do not believe immunizations lead to autism. My thoughts? Children seem to be exposed to television and other such flashing, constantly changing images much earlier. I think it is too early, and this is what is doing more damage to kids. Their little brains must develop, and there we go bombarding them with an overload of information. It is no wonder some systems seem to malfunction a bit. Although, I have known kids with autism. They just function differently, but typically, they are all wonderfully intelligent children.
Granted, my idea that autism is caused more by TV and such (or those very popular babies' videos...which I will leave unnamed), is just my own theory. It does make sense, in my mind however.
A friend's pediatrician actually said that the researchers who orginally stated immunizations lead to autism had a duel interest, and therefore, the research study left much to be desired. For more information, from sources I find credible, check out the following links:
Is there a connection between autism and childhood vaccines?
Researchers haven't found a connection between autism and childhood vaccines. Although signs of autism may appear at about the same time children receive certain vaccines — such as the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine — this is simply a coincidence. -- Mayo clinic
Many studies have looked at whether there is a relationship between vaccines and autism. The weight of the evidence indicates that vaccines are not associated with autism. But CDC knows that some parents and others may still have concerns about this issue. -- Center for Disease Control
CDC Studies on Vaccines and Autism Spectrum Disorders
Thimerosal is a mercury-containing preservative used in some vaccines and other products since the 1930s. There is no convincing scientific evidence of harm caused by the low doses of thimerosal in vaccines, except for minor reactions like redness and swelling at the injection site. However, in July 1999, the Public Health Service agencies, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and vaccine manufacturers agreed that thimerosal should be reduced or eliminated in vaccines as a precautionary measure. -- CDC
In the end, I believe it is up to individuals to decide what is best for themselves and their children. And, I do know there are some folks who would totally disagree with all of this. That's fine too, differences make the world a better place.
**For a GREAT post speaking out against immunizations, please click here.
5 comments:
Interesting stuff. I have actually heard others say there may be a link between autism and early exposure to television...
Hey Michelle,
As you know this subject is close and dear to my heart!! It has become such a controversial topic and I commend you for posting this post even when people may disagree with your findings. I also think it's great you are doing research and making the decision for your child because it is a choice!! Many people don't realize that it is a CHOICE!!
It is an interesting topic! I have known friends who chose not to immunize their kids. I notice that on school registration paperwork now, parents can check a box that says they choose not to immunize for personal or religious reasons. So, I guess the school system can not exclude children from school if they are not immunized.
I wonder if there have been any findings of children who have NOT been immunized, and developed autism?
I did a paper once on Asperger's syndrome (high functioning autism). It is quite an interesting disorder. I think it's good for parents to learn about the solid research, and your idea of TV being a culprit is probably a valid one. I also hear that diet relieves a lot of the symptoms of autism. I think that's really interesting too!
Wow! I am glad to see your post. I commend you for doing all your own thinking and research. The TV idea is interesting also. I don't think that autism is caused from just one thing. However, as far as vaccinations, there is SO much more evidence out there then just from the CDC and Mayo Clinic (although I am sure you found more). The CDC will never admit (no matter what the findings are and who finds them) that there is a connection. Our nation would be nothing but chaos if that happened. I can understand that.
I could go on and on about all the research that we have done and are currently a part of right now, though. Just to touch the surface...we are involved, and have been, in a couple of local case studies as well as a national study. Some have been short studies and some are still currently being tracked. And yes, the findings so far have been vaccination related. Autism research has not been around for very long. In fact it wasn't even an accepted diagnosis until just a few years ago. Like I stated in my post, this is not a topic that I make a habit of talking about. Many people (parents) are scared at the thought of not vaccinating their children. I can understand that. When I do talk about it, I get a lot of questions. The most often asked question that I get from people is this.."If vaccinations cause autism then why don't all children that are vaccinated get it?" Here is my answer...for the same reason why one person gets sick more often then another...the condition of their immune system and its ability to protect the body. That is why doctors do not like to vaccinate children if they are sick because their immune systems are not at 100% to fight the vaccine and chemicals that are injected into the body. It is been concluded that the children that do end up effected from vaccinations are the ones who's immune systems were not what they needed to be to fight the "stuff" in the shots. Ultimately, what I tell people is …just remember...in order to make the best educated decision you need to look at evidence from all sides. There are 2 sides to every story.
Whew...yea...this is definitely a topic that is close to my heart. But let me just say...this is how I feel and I do not mean it to be condemning in any way. These are just my feelings, life experiences, and beliefs.
A couple more things…I don’t think that autism/Asperger’s is the only thing caused from vaccinations. I have a niece that was victim of life altering seizers. She is doing fine now. However, it is my opinion that her seizers were caused from the vaccinations that she received at a young age.
Also for Jodi...Yes, any school system can NOT exclude children if they are not vaccinated...even private schools (we have been down that road and came pretty close to a law suit based on the grounds of discriminating against our son.. this case by the way was sponsored, funded, and initiated by our state health department here in AZ ). Our son is diagnosed with high functioning autism and actually, it is very different from Asperger's although most people do think it is the same. There are similarities but there are big differences, too.
Thanks again for this post and allowing me to post my comment here.
One more thing...Yes, there are studies out there that are looking at vaccinated children vs non-vaccinated children and the autism correlation. In most studies it is always more difficult to find the typical children (or in this case the non-vaccinated children) that are studied and looked at against the ones with autism. Finding the right case study kids for that, I am sure, is difficult being that there is a low percentage of children who are not, or have never been vaccinated.
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