[pat8585]

Is it possible that autism and vaccines are linked?

[2curlygirls]

Possible, sure. Likely, nah. I know that's ONE of the MANY theories. I haven't seen any definitive evidence of any one link. My uncle has researched autism for over 20 years and believes it's genetic. He supports vaxxing on schedule.

I'm certainly not an expert. Just my .02

[mercyteapot]

I'd consider the fact that major studies are being conducted at some of the best research institutions in the world before discounting the possibility. The NIH funds several of them.

[2curlygirls]

I think you have to do the research and decide for yourself.

1: Can J Neurol Sci. 2006 Nov;33(4):341-6. Links
Comment in: Can J Neurol Sci. 2006 Nov;33(4):339-40. Immunizations and autism: a review of the literature.

• Doja A,
• Roberts W.

Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
Because of a temporal correlation between the first notable signs and symptoms of autism and the routine childhood vaccination schedule, many parents have become increasingly concerned regarding the possible etiologic role vaccines may play in the development of autism. In particular, some have suggested an association between the Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine and autism. Our literature review found very few studies supporting this theory, with the overwhelming majority showing no causal association between the Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine and autism. The vaccine preservative thimerosal has alternatively been hypothesized to have a possible causal role in autism. Again, no convincing evidence was found to support this claim, nor for the use of chelation therapy in autism. With decreasing uptake of immunizations in children and the inevitable occurrence of measles outbreaks, it is important that clinicians be aware of the literature concerning vaccinations and autism so that they may have informed discussions with parents and caregivers.
PMID: 17168158 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Spidey's mom]

I mentioned this in another thread about autism - I attend via the net conferences from MIT with scientists who are tracking the genetic causes of many diseases, including autism.

The Picower Institute at MIT has some interesting studies going on. Mark Bear is at the forefront of research into the brain.

http://web.mit.edu/picower/faculty/bear.html

p.s. The two conferences in the Open Mind Series I "attended" via the net were on addiction and depression.

http://web.mit.edu/picower/events/openmindseries.html

steph

[PeachPie]

Honestly, whatever autism is found to be linked to (vaccines, increasing rate of preemies, antiperspirants, genetics, Dog knows what chemicals, older parents), I won't be surprised.

In OBGYN, we learned that a few decades ago, a lot of mental retardations and behavioral problems were linked to women drinking during pregnancy. It was a surprise, but rates fell once women were admonished not to drink. I'm waiting for a big surprise link like that.

[mercyteapot]

Anything that can cause damage to the CNS can cause autism. I honestly believe that in a majority of children with autism, my own included, there wasn't one particular cause. I think it was the combination of a number of factors... genetics (autism on his Dad's side of the family, numerous ''soft signs'' on mine), possibly the fact that I was exposed to mumps in utero (who knows how that may have affected my reproductive tract?), maybe the Dramamine I took on a trip through some mountains before I knew I was pregnant, maybe the factors that created a need for a C-section or the pitocin, and and and/or or or...???

[multicollinearity]

This makes me think of a conversation I had a while back with an MD, Medical Toxicologist. He's of the opinion that many neurological disorders including autism are caused by a genetic susceptibility and then an environmental trigger. Like a key turning in a special lock.

[2curlygirls]

It's funny. On two other boards there's are pitocin/autism threads. Oh and terbutaline. Not great evidence on those either.

How about non stick cook wear?
Dioxin in disposable diapers?
Red Dye #5 (I'm just making that up I think)
Anyone else have suggestions?

[PeachPie]

Dear Lord, while we're on the subject, I'm listening to the neighbor's autistic kid scream at the top of his lungs. He does this for hours on end, mostly because he doesn't like the fence that keeps him from running out into the street and getting himself killed. The first time I heard his screams, I honestly thought someone was being brutally murdered and I was about to call the cops, but then I saw his mom struggling to keep him from bashing his head on the fence. Man, someday, someone's really going to be screaming for help, and the whole neighborhood will assume that it's one of the kid's temper tantrums and just go about their business. I'm concerned for the kid, and it's a tragedy for the kid and the family. I do hope that this can be prevented in the future.