My very best friend not to long ago found out her son has autism. Her Dr mentioned to her that it might be a concern when he was close to 2 yrs old. He is now 3. She would call and ask me things like what I have noticed as far as development goes with him. My response was always that kids are different and even though there are developmental mile stones, they all will go at there own pace, Her main worry for her son was that he was just not talking,. I have been around her son and I know that there are all different kinds of spectrums of autism but I just didn't think he was autistic. (mind you I only know what I hear from other moms and I don't know that much about this subject at all) She is my best friend so she tells be everything Sure, he didn't talk much but he is so sweet to his mommy and he's so good at communicating with her. He didn't pay to much attention to me when I would ask him questions like "Is that your ball? I really like it" He wouldn't really notice me. She didn't want to believe what the DR said and it did take awhile for her to get in and have him tested. I think it was like a 5 month wait. Since this time he has been diagnosed and she has him in therapy all week long. She is the busiest mommy I know. I see in her eyes that she is so stressed. I wish I could take her stress and worry away. We live in different states so I can't offer to watch the boys for her but I am there for her on the phone almost everyday. I think she is my new hero with everything she does for her son. Her husband is a Doctor and her back ground before becoming a mommy was in pharmaceutical sales. She now has a 1 yr old too. He is developing at a great rate and in some areas has past his 3 yr old brother. She reads everything which makes me do the same. When Jenny McCarthy's book came out we read it and it was great. It did say that in her opinion and many other moms facing the same issue that the autism was caused by the shots. I asked my DR about this. My DR and I seem to have a great report but when I ask about this he took a different stance and crossed his arms and everything, body language and voice tone changed. He said NO and told he reasons and quoted studies. But I have to think that mothers know their children and that if was when the child got that DPT shot or whatever shot it is then they noticed something different about their child then it has to correlate right? I don't want to sound like I am concerned about my 6 month old son to my best friend b/c that would be like saying that I think there is something wrong with her child and I think he is adorable and perfect. She gets enough of that from other moms in her mommy's groups and stuff. I am concerned a bit about those shots. My son is 6 months and he is due for his 4 month shots. B/c autism is more prevalent in boys is my main reason for concern... What should I do?
I truly believe that shots
I truly believe that shots do not cause autism. Yes, many moms theorize that's what causd their child's autism, but that's because the signs of autism begin to show up around 2 years old and most shots are given to children before 2 years of age. So it seems like a plausible theory. However, there is no scientific evidence whatsoever showing that there is a cause/effect relationship there. I, personally, have to weigh the risk to my child if I choose to not get him vaccinated with the possibility of autism from vaccinations that have shown to not cause autism. I chose to go ahead with vaccinations as suggested by my doctor. It's really a personal decision. Do what feels right to you.
Although I don't feel there
Although I don't feel there is good evidence to suggest that shots cause autism, I'm starting to really believe in delaying vaccinations until the babies are older. I just read a little bit about aluminum in shots and how high they are. Many of the diseases we vax for aren't something our infants will contract, anyhow, especially if they are breastfeeding (as the get our immunities to a great degree). I've heard a lot about the new Vaccine Book by Dr. Sears (well, his son who is also a doctor...not sure of the first name) and I think I'm going to need to check it out.
Even though my 11 month old is completely vaxed on schedule right now, I'm contemplating delaying some or all of his next shots (need to research this as some shots are part of a series and need to be done within a certain time frame of the last shot - don't want to risk having to re-give a shot sometime in the future). In addition, I think there is some merit to only giving one shot at a time and trying to get the non-combo shots, when possible.
I really think you'll need to do some research and then make a decision that you're comfortable with. I know many people who don't vax at all, who selectively vax, who delay vax, and some who vax on the recommended schedule. There are yahoogroups and other communities set up to discuss these issues as well (although I am not part of any at this time, so I don't have a specific one to direct you to).
Good luck!
Allison
Mom to Talia (10/03) and Trip (3/07)
This is a very heated topic
This is a very heated topic and there really are no concrete answers yet. I chose to vaccinate my children (and I have an 18 month old son), but I can't disagree with the moms who choose not to. I'm still not sure I did the right thing. I have read a lot on the subject too, and I personally believe that some children may have a different chemical make-up than others, and the shots effect them differently. Do some research and it's hard not to question it. My doctor is pro-vaccinations too, but that is what they are taught. I think the idea that shots may be harmful would just be too hard for a doctor to imagine, so they HAVE to believe the shots are OK. Imagine if they find out later that the shots are harmful. All these doctors that go into practice to help children would be devastated. As parents, we have so much to worry about when it comes to our kids, and we all want to do the right thing. Do some research, but remember, chances are everything will turn out just fine.
I know most doctors say that
I know most doctors say that there is no link between immunizations and autism, but I feel differently. I work with children and families and see new children diagnosed with autism on a regular basis. I do not necessarily feel that every child with autism got it because of immunizations. I do, however, feel that immunizations can trigger symptoms in some children. I have also worked with numerous families that swear their children were never the same after certain immunizations. I tend to trust that parents know their children and know when something is wrong. After working with so many families and children with autism, I was not sure what I was going to do when I decided to start my family. I think that I would not have been too concerned except that there is a history of autism in my family. After lots of research, I decided to follow a revised immunization schedule. Basically, I spread out the immunizations. This meant that I was in the doctor's office more often, but it was worth it to me. I will do anything it takes to make sure that my child is not loaded with all of the things that are in immunization shots (I read a book about the ingredients in immunizations - amazing we put any of it in our children). I did eventually halt immunizations when my child was about 15 months old. He received two shots and was a zombie for a week. That was enough to scare me. He is only a few shots away from being complete, so I figured I would just wait until he is 2 and a half and then I will make sure he gets those last shots. I also decided to wait on the MMR until he goes to school (the MMR is the one that is often talked about as being linked to autism). I think this immunization debate is going to be around for a long time and that it is a very personal decision for every family. I just believe that it is important that you do research and then make the decision that is right for you. I hope this information helps!
After our firstborn had an
After our firstborn had an allergic reaction to his first vaccinations, I stopped scheduling them and I haven't taken him in since nor our second child. Do your research and read about vaccinations. Read about what you are about to put into your child before giving the ok. After all it is a parents decision.
I have heard so much about
I have heard so much about this! My BF has a 4 year old that she is having tested for autism right now, and we've been discussing the link between shots and autism quite a bit lately.
Here's what I have heard:
1. There is a definite link between them. This info came from another good friend's mom who is a microbiologist and had done many studies on it.
2. The FDA will NEVER tell us there is any such link because of the huge potential lawsuits that will happen. It also just happens that the largest pharmacutical company in the U.S. provides the majority of the FDA's funding (kind of a conflict in interest??).
3. After speaking with a friend of mine who is a nurse, she gave me this advise on the condition of annonymity- Immunize your children, but spread the shots out over a longer period of time. They do not have to be finished with shots by age 2, but that is the schedule the doctors put us on. The preservatives used in the shots are extremely dangerous (aluminum and mercury, for example), and cannot be tolerated in high doses by many babies. But when you take your baby in for their checkup, they often get from 4-7 shots at a time. Yes- I said 7. The DtP is 3 shots in 1, as are many of the other shots required. Talk to your pediatrician and let them know you don't want to keep your baby on the same "normal" schedule. The law says we have to have them immunized by the time they start school, so spread them out!
Speak up for your baby- you are the only person who can!
I think you make some great
I think you make some great points, but I just want to correct one thing - there is no law that says we must vaccinate our children. Schools often "require" them, but here in Arizona, as in most states, you can sign a wavier saying your are not vaccinating because of religious or personal beliefs. In addition, if you choose to homeschool there wouldn't be a vax waiver necessary.
Allison
Mom to Talia (10/03) and Trip (3/07)
You know - I followed the
You know - I followed the recommended immunization schedule for my son because I had faith in my pediatrician and I had that sort of naive attitude that I shouldn't question it and the dr must know more than me....and the risk of the diseases he could catch seemed to outweigh the risk of the shots.....but looking back on it now I can't say I'd do the same thing. There was that one visit around 2 where my son got six shots at once and I had to hold him....it was gut wrenching and we both left in tears, I felt like I was going to vomit because it was so hard for me to watch and know he was so hurt, and then they look at you like "why?"......I thought I was doing what was right for him........in retrospect I wish I had looked into an alternative schedule.
Other than the immediate pain, he suffered no lingering effects, thankfully.
Regarding your second point about the FDA - I have wondered about that as well. I haven't seen anything that proves a link - but that doesn't neccessarily mean it isn't there. The pharmecutical lobby is one of the most powerful......big $$$ involved there.
Your suggestion about
Your suggestion about spreading shots out is a great one. That way, they still get the vaccinations they need, but don't have to get them all at once.
I did want to make a couple corrections on what you wrote.. Saying there is a definite link is a dangerous statement. There is no "definite" link. Is it possible? Sure. But no "definite" link has been found.
Also, the vaccination theory as a cause of autism began because of the mercury conatined in the preservative thimerisol that were in some vaccinations. Although a link between thimerisol and autism has never been substantiated, mercury-containing preservatives were removed from vaccines. So since 2001 vaccinations do not contain mercury. However, some flu shots do still contain thimerisol.
http://www.cdc.gov/od/science/iso/concerns/thimerosal.htm
Thanks.. That is great info!
Thanks.. That is great info! I did ask my DR about a shot schedule and he said NO. That they use one schedule only. So maybe I should change DR? I really like him but he is a stickler on this big time. I just haven't made the appt for his 4 month shot yet and he just turned 6 months. He is sick now so I don't think they would do them now anyway. I DO want to wait if I do them. He did have his first set of shots at 2 months or whatever those were. Does anyone know of a website that offers like an example extended shot schedule so I am not just guessing about when to do them if I choose to?
Yes, I think you should
Yes, I think you should switch doctors. Where are you located? If you're in the North Phoenix area I have some doctor suggestions for you. There are many valley doctors that will agree to delayed vax and selective vax, but you need to find one. I don't have a website, but really think The Vaccine Book would be helpful. I'm going to do some research and see if I can find a website, though, as I think I'm going to start delaying now.
Allison
Mom to Talia (10/03) and Trip (3/07)
I am interested in names of
I am interested in names of pediatricians who will honor a delayed vaccination schedule. At my last visit to the ped DR, my sons had colds so I the doc that I wanted to wait until cold and flu season was over to get the next round of shots. He proceeded to tell me that "we need to leave his office because my sons are infecting his office." I live in NW Phx. I would be grateful for any information you could give regarding vax-friendly docs.
Yvonne
Mom to Tyler (1/89) Luke (12/03) Josh (3/06)
I'm sorry, but I think any
I'm sorry, but I think any doctor who refuses to work with you on a schedule with which you feel comfortable should be plain ole FIRED. You are the patient's mother and I find your doctor's attitude to be arrogant. My pediatrician isn't thrilled with my decision to delay, either, and I usually get a little "speech" about it with each visit, but she does it in respectful way and always ends with, "it's your decision."
I would contact the
I would contact the Thoughtful House Center for Children in Austin Texas. Perhaps they can recommend someone in the Phoenix area that understands the potential risks involved with immunizing a child who is not physiologically ready.You also have the choice not to immunize. There are many good books on the subject. Do your own research. This is the best way to learn - then make your own informed decision.
http://www.thoughtfulhouse.org/
This site looks helpful: lots of resources -
http://ffitz.com/nyvic/resource/rozario.htm
Jan Katzen-Luchenta
Author - Nutrition for Learning:Feeding the Starving Brain - Foresight nutritional counselor- Montessori educator - www.nutritionforlearning.com
A friend (with an autistic
A friend (with an autistic child, by the way) recommended this same resource to me when I was having a problem finding a pediatrician who would be willing to work with me on a delayed vaccination schedule. Through the Thoughtful House's web site, I met a mom who recommended an excellent family practitioner with an open mind. This is a great resource!
I agree with everyone here
I agree with everyone here that this is a really personal decision. I think that it is virtually impossible to definitively say that vaccinations cause autism. You would have to remove all other potential variables. I believe that certain individuals might be genetically pre-dispositioned for autism and vaccinations might trigger something within their bodies.
Maybe I'm too trusting and naive but I just can't believe that such a large percentage of the medical community would advocate something for babies and children that has been scientifically proven to be harmful.
I have had my son vaccinated so I believe in it. To me, the potential benefits of what I KNOW he's being protected against outweigh the small possibility of there being a problem. I know plenty of people who aren't vaccinating their children because they don't feel it's necessary since nobody gets these illnesses anymore. Well, the reason nobody gets the illnesses is because of the vaccinations :) Speaking of that, isn't there a measles issue in Pima County right now?
Also, it is my understanding that harmful substances like mercury are no longer being used as preservatives in vaccinations AND you can always request vaccines to be preservative free.
Just my 2 cents, no offense to anyone.