autism

It's a little early to be worried about autism in your little one, but if you want to read up on it for the future, go to autism.com. There is a wealth of info online, just google it and you can read to your hearts content!

I don't believe there is anything your son should be doing or isn't doing that would be able to detect even the slightest sign of autism at 3 months old. What are you concerned about that is worrying you? At 3 months old there isn't a whole lot that a baby should be doing or shouldn't be doing for that matter.

Please don't read into a lot of what you'll find on the internet, self diagnosing often goes astray on the internet and freaks people out. Personally your pediatrician is the best person to consult.

If you are concerned about vaccinations, Dr. Sears Vaccine Book is good. It goes over the pros and cons of each vaccine and lists the chemicals in each. Just in case you don't know-vaccines don't have to be all or nothing. Some people chose to selectively vaccinate or vaccinate on a different schedule (ie: no more than 1 live vaccine at a time, etc).

With autism, it seem that there are a lot of theories and no concrete answers on what causes it. Some people think that some babies are born with a propensity and it is "turned on" by an added environmental component like a vaccine, illness, or high fever.

The autism website above should give you some good info.

I'd suggest you talk to your pediatrician. They will give you all the facts. I sooo wish this could be preventable (autism.)

LisaMommy is a 38 year old discussion leader for arizonamoms.com from the Paradise Valley/Scottsdale area. Her two boys are ages 9 months and 3 years old.

I can share a little on this because my daughter has asphergers which is a form of autism. First off at 3 months, you won't know any signs or see any because they really don't develop and cause alarm until about 2 - 2 1/2 years. Second, if you are worried about vaccinations being the cause, my daughter can proove that theory wrong as well. I too was worried about vaccinations as well and against my family and doctors wishes did not do them as I did with my son. Yet my beautiful daughter has this disability. On the hopeful side for me and her, Asphergers is much more calm then Autism and my daughter is diagnosed as a full functioning child with asphergers.

Try to get educated about the disability, but also keep in mind that like any disability you can't always prevent it. Watch your child's growth, motor skills, speech and mood (my daughter couldn't speak well and in the beginning would have HUGE outbursts). If everything seems to be on target as far as you doctor says, it probably is. If you're child seems on target and then about 2 1/2 or so suddenly regresses worry then. Until then, you might just make your self crazy with worry.

"It's not to late to become who you've always wanted to be..."

I am so glad to see moms are starting to echo this and are cautioning you away from the vast amount of misinformation on the web. There is no link between vaccinations and autism. This is a damaging piece of misinformation that has been played up in the media and frightening parents for years now. Thimerosol, the mercury-containing agent in vaccinations that was suspected in vaccinations, was removed in 2003. Since then there has been NO change in the rate of autism diagnoses. The rate has increased because the definition has been expanded, and more kids are being corrrectly diagnosed. There is no data despite numerous scientific studies to support the claims that vaccinations are suspect in autism.

Adjusting the schedule of vaccinations under consultation of your ped is the route many parents are taking now, but be sure to do this under the advice of your doctor.

Susan is mom to Alexander, Isabel, David and stepmom to Eric. Make sure your email address is current, we'll be giving out great prizes DAILY in September after our site makeover! Don't miss out!

If you're interested, see my post under the thread "Are more vaccinations really necessary?"

YOU are your child's parent. Trust your own instincts even over those of your pediatrician. You know your child better than ANYONE.

That's the best piece of parenting advice I could ever give someone...

~LullabyLady (a.k.a. Rachel), Mother of Nine Blessings
#10 Due in November!
www.oldfashionedmotherhood.com

“How can you have too many children? That’s like saying there are too many flowers” - Mother Teresa

I'm so glad I"m not the only one worried about this! My baby is due in november and I'm already freaking out over which vaccines to give him! I've been told that spreading out shots is supposed to help! but i also found out by researching on-line (don't know how true it is) that autism is not caused by the vaccines.. but is triggered by them! Meaning if you didn't get the vaccines it would just be triggered by something else..good luck!!!

keelahkat@yahoo.com