Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group
Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder which manifests itself in markedly abnormal social interaction, communication ability, patterns of interests, and patterns of behavior. Although the specific etiology of autism is unknown, many researchers suspect that autism results from genetically mediated vulnerabilities to environmental triggers.
OK, I don't come to this group very often because I am busy (just as all of you are), and I really don't have much to discuss as far as my son's autism. But, I decided to come by here today out of boredom- he just started school, and I have no idea what to do with myself while he's gone.
So, here's the deal- I know that vaccines did NOT have anything to do with MY son being autistic. At least not the one which that bimbo Jenny McCarthy is talking about. My son started showing signs of autism at around 1 year (actually, now that I think about it, he has ALWAYS showed signs, such as the obsession with fans and wheels- I'm talking 3 weeks old). My son didn't get his MMR shot until AFTER his 2nd birthday because we didn't have health insurance for him. He was autistic long before that!!!
So, for all of you who think they should NOT vaccinate their kids- why don't you try googling pictures of what these diseases look like??? Why don't you just go ahead and read up on what these diseases do to the body, and all of the pain and suffering associated with them??? There is a REASON why scientists and doctors work for YEARS to find a vaccine for diseases!!! Also, have any of you actually READ the CDC's report on vaccines and autism??? They found NO evidence whatsoever!!! People just assume it's vaccines because they feel that they need to put the blame somewhere and refuse to admit that sometimes things just happen.
Autism has been around a LOT longer than any vaccine. Why is it more common now? It's probably because these days, people are more willing to look into behavioral problems from a medical standpoint. In the past, people with severe autism were institutionalized, and people with Asperger's were considered social outcasts. People who fall in the middle, like my son, were considered to be 'bad kids'. Only the severe cases were ever diagnosed.
My husband was recently diagnosed with Asperger's, shortly after our son's diagnosis. So, perhaps it's a genetic predisposition? Think back into your families history. Think back in your child's life. When we were at the appointment with the neurodevelopemental pediatrician, she was asking me- and my mother (who came along for support), hundreds of questions. For many of them, we said, "Yes, but his father is like that too. He's just like his dad." But, his dad is just like someone else in his family. My husband's great-grandfather. They were all like that. My son just happens to be more severe. His great-grandfather didn't get the vaccines we got today. He was never diagnosed with Asperger's or autism, but it was definately there according to my husband's family.
Why is Jonathan more severe than my husband and his great-grandfather? Who knows? But it had nothing to do with any vaccine.
I say- fine. If it's proven to be from vaccines, and so far research shows otherwise, I will STILL vaccinate my children. I have done my own research. I have looked into the diseases which my son, and all of your children, are vaccinated for. No thank you. I am not going to watch my children get sick, suffer from lesions on their bodies, and watch their little bodies rot away, and let them suffer until they finally die. I would much rather deal with the struggles of autism. I welcome the ear-piercing screeches, the stares from ignorant strangers, the unpredictable behavior, the obsession over routine, the lining up of toys, the tantrums which put huge holes in the walls (we seem to buy more drywall and paint than a construction company!). I welcome autism, and all that comes with it. So long as it means that MY children won't suffer a horrible death from a disease which could have been prevented.
My son is who he is. I give him vitamins which have helped him. I am NOT out to cure him. I am NOT out to change him. Raising him and dealing with the autism is the HARDEST thing I've ever had to do, and at times (OK, MOST of the time) it is so frustrating that I just want to lock myself in the closet and put headphones on to block it all out. But, he is my son, and I love him the way he is. I am PROUD to be his mother! My husband is PROUD to be his father! Try accepting your children the way that they are. Do things to help them to live in our society. Try therapies, vitamins, diets, whatever YOU feel is right for your child. But don't make them susceptable to disease just because you THINK it's vaccines. Doctors spend YEARS in school, and know more about our children's health than any of us. Vaccines are here for a reason.
Since it's now autumn, how about getting outside and enjoying the changing leaves and cool air? If you plan on doing that, do it from an old cemetary from the 1800's. Count the number of children's headstones. They should be easy to find- they usually have a little lamb on them, but not always. Vaccines were made because back then, many children died due to these illnesses. Is THAT where you want your kids to be? Would you rather have a DEAD child, who died because of something you could have prevented? Or, would you rather have an autistic child??? I don't know about you, but I chose to have my son right here with me. With or without autism.
(I have two journal entries on this subject- Friday, September 21, and Monday, September 24. The one from Friday talks about the diagnosis and how I feel about my child.)
So, here's the deal- I know that vaccines did NOT have anything to do with MY son being autistic. At least not the one which that bimbo Jenny McCarthy is talking about. My son started showing signs of autism at around 1 year (actually, now that I think about it, he has ALWAYS showed signs, such as the obsession with fans and wheels- I'm talking 3 weeks old). My son didn't get his MMR shot until AFTER his 2nd birthday because we didn't have health insurance for him. He was autistic long before that!!!
So, for all of you who think they should NOT vaccinate their kids- why don't you try googling pictures of what these diseases look like??? Why don't you just go ahead and read up on what these diseases do to the body, and all of the pain and suffering associated with them??? There is a REASON why scientists and doctors work for YEARS to find a vaccine for diseases!!! Also, have any of you actually READ the CDC's report on vaccines and autism??? They found NO evidence whatsoever!!! People just assume it's vaccines because they feel that they need to put the blame somewhere and refuse to admit that sometimes things just happen.
Autism has been around a LOT longer than any vaccine. Why is it more common now? It's probably because these days, people are more willing to look into behavioral problems from a medical standpoint. In the past, people with severe autism were institutionalized, and people with Asperger's were considered social outcasts. People who fall in the middle, like my son, were considered to be 'bad kids'. Only the severe cases were ever diagnosed.
My husband was recently diagnosed with Asperger's, shortly after our son's diagnosis. So, perhaps it's a genetic predisposition? Think back into your families history. Think back in your child's life. When we were at the appointment with the neurodevelopemental pediatrician, she was asking me- and my mother (who came along for support), hundreds of questions. For many of them, we said, "Yes, but his father is like that too. He's just like his dad." But, his dad is just like someone else in his family. My husband's great-grandfather. They were all like that. My son just happens to be more severe. His great-grandfather didn't get the vaccines we got today. He was never diagnosed with Asperger's or autism, but it was definately there according to my husband's family.
Why is Jonathan more severe than my husband and his great-grandfather? Who knows? But it had nothing to do with any vaccine.
I say- fine. If it's proven to be from vaccines, and so far research shows otherwise, I will STILL vaccinate my children. I have done my own research. I have looked into the diseases which my son, and all of your children, are vaccinated for. No thank you. I am not going to watch my children get sick, suffer from lesions on their bodies, and watch their little bodies rot away, and let them suffer until they finally die. I would much rather deal with the struggles of autism. I welcome the ear-piercing screeches, the stares from ignorant strangers, the unpredictable behavior, the obsession over routine, the lining up of toys, the tantrums which put huge holes in the walls (we seem to buy more drywall and paint than a construction company!). I welcome autism, and all that comes with it. So long as it means that MY children won't suffer a horrible death from a disease which could have been prevented.
My son is who he is. I give him vitamins which have helped him. I am NOT out to cure him. I am NOT out to change him. Raising him and dealing with the autism is the HARDEST thing I've ever had to do, and at times (OK, MOST of the time) it is so frustrating that I just want to lock myself in the closet and put headphones on to block it all out. But, he is my son, and I love him the way he is. I am PROUD to be his mother! My husband is PROUD to be his father! Try accepting your children the way that they are. Do things to help them to live in our society. Try therapies, vitamins, diets, whatever YOU feel is right for your child. But don't make them susceptable to disease just because you THINK it's vaccines. Doctors spend YEARS in school, and know more about our children's health than any of us. Vaccines are here for a reason.
Since it's now autumn, how about getting outside and enjoying the changing leaves and cool air? If you plan on doing that, do it from an old cemetary from the 1800's. Count the number of children's headstones. They should be easy to find- they usually have a little lamb on them, but not always. Vaccines were made because back then, many children died due to these illnesses. Is THAT where you want your kids to be? Would you rather have a DEAD child, who died because of something you could have prevented? Or, would you rather have an autistic child??? I don't know about you, but I chose to have my son right here with me. With or without autism.
(I have two journal entries on this subject- Friday, September 21, and Monday, September 24. The one from Friday talks about the diagnosis and how I feel about my child.)
Pre-school is the hardest for us, as parents, to accept. But, in spite of all of my reservations (and I had many as my son was non-verbal at the time he started) he did very well. : )
It was a good thing and gave me some much needed respite.
I know the worry. But, just have faith, say a prayer over your child and be his best advocate and move forward.
This is words from a mom who's been where you are and fully understands your hesitation.
hugs,
gaylek11