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First Years (0-2)

The vaccination debate Is there a vaccination-autism connection? By Kimberly GomesPublished: March, 2009

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There is a cultural disconnect about whether or not there is a link between autism and child vaccinations, ostensibly from mercury-based preservatives or the number of simultaneous vaccines.     Parents of autistic children and autism advocacy groups cite that there is a link between childhood vaccinations and autism.     Most medical professionals deny this, as countless studies have yet to show any link. Additionally, they say, the risks involved with foregoing recommended vaccination schedules are far greater than the slight risk indicated by certain connections. What are the issues? > Medical/drug establishments state there is no proven link. > Autism rates are known to be increasing. > Parents of autistic children question this by arguing that perhaps it’s not the vaccine itself, but complications triggered by the vaccination or vaccination schedule. > Advocacy groups contend that  some children have extreme reactions to vaccinations. What is autism? Autism is a spectrum brain disorder with a broad range of symptoms. Difficulty with communication and relating to others is a primary indicator. With autism, the different areas of the brain fail to work together.     “Autism Spectrum Disorder is a brain development disorder. Many children within this spectrum will have problems with impaired social interaction and repetitive behavior,” says Dr. Natasha West, pediatrician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County. “ASD affects children in a variety of ways. Some children are higher functioning than others.” What causes autism? This is an issue of tremendous debate, with no clear answer. We do know the rate of autism has surged in the past 10 years, but health professionals are at a loss to explain why, or how it can be prevented. Autism tends to run in families, so experts believe there may be a genetic link.     “We know there are definitely genetic links in twins and family members,” says West. “Children at higher risk are those with familial ties.”     Scientists are trying to find out which genes may perpetuate autism.     Other studies are looking at whether autism can be caused by other medical problems or something in a child’s environment. Some believe that childhood vaccines cause autism, especially the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. However, studies have not shown this to be true.     “Vaccines do not cause autism,” says Dr. Thomas Mohr, CEO and president of Inland Empire’s Pediatric Partners.     It’s important that your child gets all of his vaccines, says West. “It is important to realize that the vaccine program was established as a means to eradicate or reduce the rates of morbidity and mortality associated with many childhood illnesses,” she adds. Mercury and the ‘mom’ factor Some studies contend that many mothers of mercury-poisoned children are themselves mercury-toxic. Mercury in the mother is passed to the child during pregnancy and when breastfeeding.     Primary contributors to a mother’s toxic load include: 1. Any vaccines received during pregnancy – The most common vaccines received during pregnancy include the RhoGAM shot (for women who are Rh-negative) and the flu shot. 2. Dental mercury amalgams – Silver fillings contain mercury and are toxic to the body. 3. Other vaccinations received prior to pregnancy – Including vaccines containing Thimerosal. 4. Fish consumption before and during pregnancy – Most fish contain mercury, and heavy fish consumption during pregnancy is not recommended. Other components may exacerbate the toxicity of mercury are synergistic toxins. The most common include: 1. Antibiotics – Many children diagnosed with autism have a history of multiple rounds of antibiotics for ear infections. 2. Aluminum – This is another toxic metal found in vaccines. 3. Testosterone – Testosterone accelerates mercury’s toxicity; about 90 percent of the cases of autism are male. AUTISM RESOURCES 1. Regional Center O.C. 801 Civic Center Drive West, Suite 100 Santa Ana 714.796.5100 2. The Center for Autism and Related Disorders 12399 Lewis St., Suite 202 Garden Grove 714.750.0575 3. The Autism Society of O.C. 582 N. Waverly St. Orange 714.282.9005 4. 4Autism http://www.4autism.com 949.636.0592 5. Autism News of O.C. 6.  For OC Kids Neurodevelopmental Center 1915 West Orangewood Ave., Suite 200, Orange 888.9.OCKIDS •> EDITOR’S NOTE Last month, a federal court ruled that vaccinations are not related to autism. Currently, 5,000 families are seeking damages related to vaccines; this case will likely set a precedent for others. For the latest on autism, including video of national news coverage, type "autism in this site's search tool. QUESTIONS FOR YOUR CHILD'S PEDIATRICIAN According to Generation Rescue, Jenny McCarthy’s autism awareness foundation, the increase in autism rates parallels the increase in the number of child vaccinations. Here are  questions for your child’s doctor. > Should I delay vaccines until my child is age 1? > Should my child be vaccinated if he is on antibiotics? > Is it wise to have only one vaccination per doctor visit? > Should the MMR vaccine be given in three separate vaccinations? > Do high doses of Vitamin C on the day before, of, and after a vaccination make a difference? > What about the high doses of Vitamin A on the day before, of, and after an MMR vaccination? > What do I do if my child appears to be having a reaction to his vaccination? Beth Hartnett contributed to this report. Kimberly Gomes is an intern for OC Family magazine. For related autism coverage, click here.

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