On October 4th of this year, two studies performed by the government revealed that the rate of autism in the U.S. is 1 in 100; higher than the previously thought 1 in 150. Although the increase is attributed to better detection and new definitions of what autism is, the increase is startling. As the reader, what do you think about reading that statement? How do you feel knowing now that in the United States 1 in 100 children, about 673,000, have autism?
Autism is a controversial topic, especially when it comes to vaccines. Many parents and critics believe that thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative previously used in child vaccines, is the cause of the increase in the autism rate. Another vaccine believed to cause autism is the MMR vaccine, which protects children against measles, mumps, and rubella.
You may feel overwhelmed by all of the differing opinions on the internet about whether or not vaccines cause autism. Here is a brief synopsis on autism, as with its connection (or lack of) to vaccines
Autism: A definition
The Autism Society of America defines autism as “a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others,” and a “spectrum disorder that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees.”
The Center for Disease Control breaks it down into three subgroups: Autistic Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental disorder. Autistic Disorder is also known as “classic” autism; a person with autistic disorder has “significant language delays, social and communication challenges, and unusual behaviors and interests.” Those with Asperger syndrome do not typically have problems with language; they more so experience problems socializing with others. Pervasive Developmental disorder groups those who do not share all typical symptoms of autistic disorder or Asperger syndrome; it’s a milder form of the two.
Diagnosis:
Autism is usually hard to diagnose, since it relies on observation of a child’s behavior. Diagnosis involves a developmental screening, in which the doctor examines or interacts with the child to determine if there is any delay in development. The doctor may ask the parents some questions concerning the child’s behavior. A comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is also done; this mainly involves interviewing the parents and studying the child’s behavior, but also may include genetic screening, neurological testing, and so on.
Treatment:
There is no cure for autism. However, early intervention is the best way to dramatically improve autistic children’s’ development. Early intervention services, such as behavioral therapy, are offered to children as young as 3 years. The CDC website, as well as Autism Speaks’ website, has an extensive list of therapy options for parents to consider.
Cause:
The exact cause of autism is currently unknown; however we have learned that autism isn’t caused by just one factor but a variety of factors such as:
-Genes: Studies have shown that parents of an autistic child have a 2-8% chance of having a second child with autism.
-Other Medical Conditions: Children with autism may have other medical disorders. About 10% of children with autism are couple with another disorder; common ones seen are Fragile X Syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, or Down syndrome, among others.
-Harmful Drugs: Thalidomide and valproic acid, previously prescribed to pregnant women, have been linked to higher autism risks.
-Environmental Factors?: Some researchers speculate whether environmental factors, such as heavy metal exposure, contaminated water, even constant TV exposure to young children attribute to autism. No definitive evidence has been found as of yet.
You may be wondering why the potential for harmful vaccinations wasn't included under causes. The reason is there is no scientific evidence that proves a link to any vaccine and autism. Several scientific studies have been done to determine this problem, and all have come up with the same conclusion. The Institute of Medicine concluded in 2004 that “There is no link between autism and the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine or the vaccine preservative thimerosal.” On October 19th of this year, a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives reported that “The blood levels of mercury are similar in children who are developing normally and children with autism, and do not appear to be contributing to developmental problems.”
So why, even after the evidence that vaccines do not cause autism, that there are people so adamant about their dangers, is unknown. The overwhelming amount of misleading information on the internet may be a major factor that causes parents to worry about the safety of vaccines given to children. While it’s true that there may be some risk factors involved with vaccinations, there is no concrete evidence that proves autism is one of them.
Helpful Links:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=homepage
http://www.autismspeaks.org/
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html
Resources
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33165127/ns/health-mental_health
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html
http://www.popsci.com/earthtalk/article/2008-07/are-environmental-factors-blame-autism
http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/lps1609/www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2004/504_iom.html
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2009/10/mercury-levels-not-higher-in-children-with-autism.html
http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=homepage
Autism is a controversial topic, especially when it comes to vaccines. Many parents and critics believe that thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative previously used in child vaccines, is the cause of the increase in the autism rate. Another vaccine believed to cause autism is the MMR vaccine, which protects children against measles, mumps, and rubella.
You may feel overwhelmed by all of the differing opinions on the internet about whether or not vaccines cause autism. Here is a brief synopsis on autism, as with its connection (or lack of) to vaccines
Autism: A definition
The Autism Society of America defines autism as “a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others,” and a “spectrum disorder that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees.”
The Center for Disease Control breaks it down into three subgroups: Autistic Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental disorder. Autistic Disorder is also known as “classic” autism; a person with autistic disorder has “significant language delays, social and communication challenges, and unusual behaviors and interests.” Those with Asperger syndrome do not typically have problems with language; they more so experience problems socializing with others. Pervasive Developmental disorder groups those who do not share all typical symptoms of autistic disorder or Asperger syndrome; it’s a milder form of the two.
Diagnosis:
Autism is usually hard to diagnose, since it relies on observation of a child’s behavior. Diagnosis involves a developmental screening, in which the doctor examines or interacts with the child to determine if there is any delay in development. The doctor may ask the parents some questions concerning the child’s behavior. A comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is also done; this mainly involves interviewing the parents and studying the child’s behavior, but also may include genetic screening, neurological testing, and so on.
Treatment:
There is no cure for autism. However, early intervention is the best way to dramatically improve autistic children’s’ development. Early intervention services, such as behavioral therapy, are offered to children as young as 3 years. The CDC website, as well as Autism Speaks’ website, has an extensive list of therapy options for parents to consider.
Cause:
The exact cause of autism is currently unknown; however we have learned that autism isn’t caused by just one factor but a variety of factors such as:
-Genes: Studies have shown that parents of an autistic child have a 2-8% chance of having a second child with autism.
-Other Medical Conditions: Children with autism may have other medical disorders. About 10% of children with autism are couple with another disorder; common ones seen are Fragile X Syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, or Down syndrome, among others.
-Harmful Drugs: Thalidomide and valproic acid, previously prescribed to pregnant women, have been linked to higher autism risks.
-Environmental Factors?: Some researchers speculate whether environmental factors, such as heavy metal exposure, contaminated water, even constant TV exposure to young children attribute to autism. No definitive evidence has been found as of yet.
You may be wondering why the potential for harmful vaccinations wasn't included under causes. The reason is there is no scientific evidence that proves a link to any vaccine and autism. Several scientific studies have been done to determine this problem, and all have come up with the same conclusion. The Institute of Medicine concluded in 2004 that “There is no link between autism and the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine or the vaccine preservative thimerosal.” On October 19th of this year, a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives reported that “The blood levels of mercury are similar in children who are developing normally and children with autism, and do not appear to be contributing to developmental problems.”
So why, even after the evidence that vaccines do not cause autism, that there are people so adamant about their dangers, is unknown. The overwhelming amount of misleading information on the internet may be a major factor that causes parents to worry about the safety of vaccines given to children. While it’s true that there may be some risk factors involved with vaccinations, there is no concrete evidence that proves autism is one of them.
Helpful Links:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=homepage
http://www.autismspeaks.org/
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html
Resources
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33165127/ns/health-mental_health
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html
http://www.popsci.com/earthtalk/article/2008-07/are-environmental-factors-blame-autism
http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/lps1609/www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2004/504_iom.html
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2009/10/mercury-levels-not-higher-in-children-with-autism.html
http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=homepage
It is nice to read the facts on this article, rather than hearing that a vaccine is the definite link to Autism. You read that all over the internet. My cousin was diagnosed with Autism and has made significant improvements as he has gotten older. I think that parents want to blame a vaccine, rather than putting the blame on themselves (even if it's not necessarily their fault). Environmental factors are as much as a cause as genetics. It's important to continue the research, and I encourage all people to volunteer for the Special Olympics. I find that it is refreshing to read a piece that is factual rather than biased.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Aaron--It is refreshing to read something not blaming vaccines directly for Autism. Until research can successfully prove that there is a direct correlation between vaccines and Autism, I will vaccinate my future children.
ReplyDeleteI HAVE AN AUTISTIC CHILD AND WOULD GIVE HIM THE VACCINES OVER AGAIN...I DO NOT BELIEVE VACCINES CAUSED AUTISM. WE WENT THRU ALL THE TESTING...FRAIGILE X SYNDROME... ETC. IT WAS NEGATIVE. IT IS NOT KNOWN WHAT CAUSED MY SON'S AUTISM. BUT I STILL DON'T BELIEVE IT WAS THE SHOTS.
ReplyDeleteits not a good thing that autism rates have increased in the united states but at the same time without vaccines a disease may kill an individual that may have been prevented by a vaccine. So i guess what we have to ask ourselves is that is the risk of getting a vaccine to save a life worth the risk of possible autism?
ReplyDelete