What Causes Autism?
You will hear many theories about what causes autism. To date, no one has found the exact cause of autism.
In the early 1950's-1970's it was thought that the mothers of children with autism were neglecting and not loving their children which in turn caused them to regress into a world of their own. These mothers were labeled "Refrigerator Mothers." Thanks to Dr. Bernard Rimland, we've come a long way since then.
It's important to do your own research into the various causes that are being investigated. We believe that families should have access to all information including environmental insults, vaccines, genetics, etc. Please visit our research library for a list of relevant scientific studies.
VACCINES
THIMEROSAL MMR
AUTISM AND GENETICS:
There are many in the scientific community who believe that there is a strong genetic component or pre-disposition to autism spectrum disorders.
It's important to note that in the past 10 years of looking for the "autism gene," none has been found which leads many researchers to believe that something had to TRIGGER the gene to turn on and cause autism. According to officials at the National Institutes of Health, while there is most likely a genetic predisposition, there must also be an environmental component to autism. The rapid rise in the rate of autism over the last 15 years cannot be attributed solely to genetics.
Autism is no longer considered a heritable, genetic disorder. It is an environmentally triggered, therefore preventable and treatable disease. Environmental research holds the key to finding the cause and developing effective treatments for those affected.
How is Autism Diagnosed?
Autism is diagnosed based on clinical observation and testing by a professional using one or more standardized tests. Professionals most likely to diagnose autism are psychologists, psychiatrists, developmental pediatricians, and school psychologists. Some of the screenings and tests which may be used in the diagnostic process are: CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale), Autism Diagnostic Checklist Form E-2, CHAT (Checklist for Autism in Toddlers), M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers), Pervasive Developmental Disorders Screening Test -2, ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale), and ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised).
In addition, parental interview and medical history are taken into consideration.
The current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) has specific criterion required to make a diagnosis of autism, or a Pervasive Development Disorder.
There are five disorders under the PDD umbrella which include Autism, Aspergers, Rhett's Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and PDD-NOS (not otherwise specified).
The diagnosis of autism may be made when a specified number of characteristics listed in the DSM-IV are present.
DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA
FOR 299.00 AUTISTIC DISORDER**
*Source: The American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Washington D.C., American Psychiatric Association, 1994.
A. A total of at least six items from (1), (2), and (3), with at least two from (1), and one each from (2) and (3):
Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following: marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction. failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest) lack of social or emotional reciprocity
Qualitative impairments in communication as manifested by at least one of the following: delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language (not accompanied by an attempt to compensate through alternative modes of communication such as gesture or mime) in individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative play appropriate to developmental level
Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following: encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole body movements) persistent preoccupation with parts of objects
B. Delays or abnormal functioning in at least one of the following areas, with onset prior to age 3 years: (1) social interaction, (2) language as used in social communication, or (3) symbolic or imaginative play.
C. The disturbance is not better accounted for by Rett's Disorder or Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.
For information on the diagnostic criterion for Aspergers, Rhett’s, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and PDD-NOS.
Escape the Hopelessness.
Autism is Treatable.
Watch the PSA here
OVERVIEW
DEFINITIONS/SYMPTOMS
HOW IS AUTISM DIAGNOSED?
VARIOUS TREATMENT OPTIONS
RECOMMENDED READING
AUTISM OVERVIEW BY ED ARRANGA
DO YOU SUSPECT AUTISM IN SOMEONE? 12 TIPS TO HELP YOU TELL A PARENT.
HELPFUL WEB SITES
OVERVIEW
Whether it's biomedical and therapy interventions combined, or simple therapy, autism can be treated...and thousands of children have progressed because of it.
When families and caregivers begin looking into the various treatment options available for autism spectrum disorders, they will be surprised to find that there are many options out there. Unfortunately, what works for some families, may not work for others. Since individuals with autism spectrum disorders are not exactly the same, treatment plans need to be made specific for each individual.
One thing's for sure, autism is not a hopeless diagnosis. To become educated about therapies and providers of therapies and biomedical interventions in your area, we suggest four things:
Join a local support group or local discussion forum.*
Join a national discussion forum. There are many to choose from. Click here for a list of groups.*
Find a DAN (Defeat Autism Now) clinician in your area. Click here for a listing.
Find a Generation Rescue Angel in your Area: Click Here.
Check with your child's primary care provider for referrals to private therapists such as speech pathologists, occupational therapists, ABA specialists, etc.
*Check with a DAN doctor, or your child's primary care physician before initiating any biomedical intervention.
DEFINITIONS/SYMPTOMS
Autism is a bio-neurological developmental disability that generally appears before the age of 3.
Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive function. Individuals with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.
Individuals with autism often suffer from numerous physical ailments which may include: allergies, asthma, epilepsy, digestive disorders, persistent viral infections, feeding disorders, sensory integration dysfunction, sleeping disorders, and more.
Autism is diagnosed four times more often in boys than girls. Its prevalence is not affected by race, region, or socio-economic status. Since autism was first diagnosed in the U.S. the occurrence has climbed to an alarming one in 150 people across the country.
Autism does not affect life expectancy. Currently there is no cure for autism, though with early intervention and treatment, the diverse symptoms related to autism can be greatly improved.
According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development*, there are five behaviors that signal the need for a doctor** to immediately evaluate a child for autism…
· Does not babble or coo by 12 months of age
· Does not gesture (point, wave, grasp, etc.) by 12 months of age
· Does not say single words by 16 months of age
· Does not say two-word phrases on his or her own (rather than just repeating what someone says to him or her) by 24 months of age
· Has any loss of any language or social skill at any age.
Autism and Mercury Poisoning
THIMEROSAL Thimerosal is an inorganic mercury compound that is metabolized to ethylmercury and thiosalicylate and has been present since the 1930’s as a preservative in some vaccines and pharmaceutical products to prevent bacterial and fungal contamination.
Click here to view video from the University of Calgary.
How Mercury Causes Brain Neuron Degeneration
(Requires Quicktime 4.1 or higher)
THE FACTS:
Mercury is hazardous to humans. The use of a toxic poison as a preservative is undesirable, unnecessary and should be eliminated entirely.
For decades, ethylmercury was used extensively in medical products ranging from vaccines to topical ointments as preservative and an anti-bacteriological agent.
Manufacturers of vaccines and thimerosal, (an ethylmercury compound used in vaccines), have never conducted adequate testing on the safety of thimerosal. The FDA has never required manufacturers to conduct adequate safety testing on thimerosal and ethylmercury compounds. Current evidence suggests thimerosal is neither "safe nor effective" when used as a preservative in vaccines.
There are over 1500 studies and papers documenting the hypoallergenicity and toxicity of thimerosal (ethylmercury) have existed for decades.
The United States is in the midst of a tragic epidemic of autism. An analysis of the US Department of Education data from 1992-1993 in comparison to 2000-2001 indicates that there has been an average increase of 644% among all US children. In addition, 13 states have reported an almost infinite or infinite increase in autism from 1992-1993 in comparison to 2000-2001. A review of children in US schools indicates that approximately 1 in 9 children in the US is currently disabled by the US Department of Education Statistics (see attachment). Recent studies in the Journal of the American Medical Association and Pediatrics have confirmed the autism epidemic is real and not due to changes in diagnosis, populational changes nor is it explained by other factors.
At the same time that the incidence of autism was growing, the number of childhood vaccines containing thimerosal was growing, increasing the amount of ethylmercury to which infants were exposed threefold.
A growing number of scientists and researchers believe that a relationship between the increase in neurodevelopmental disorders of autism, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, and speech or language delay, and the increased use of thimerosal in vaccines is plausible and deserves more scrutiny. In 2001, the Institute of Medicine determined that such a relationship is biologically plausible, but that not enough evidence exists to support or reject this hypothesis. Recent studies have confirmed the association between the use of thimerosal and autism has moved from "biologically plausible" to a "biological certainty" (Boyd Haley). Recent work by Dr. Mark Geier and David Geier in the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons and Experimental Biology and Medicine have shown strong epidemiological evidence for a causal relationship between thimerosal and neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
The FDA acted too slowly to remove ethylmercury from over-the-counter products like topical ointments and skin creams. Although an advisory committee determined that ethylmercury was unsafe in these products in 1980, a rule requiring its removal was not finalized until 1998.
The FDA and the CDC failed in their duty to be vigilant as new vaccines containing thimerosal were approved and added to the immunization schedule. When the Hepatitis B and Haemophilus Influenzae Type b vaccines were added to the recommended schedule of childhood immunizations, the cumulative amount of ethylmercury to which children were exposed nearly tripled.
The amount of ethylmercury to which children were exposed through vaccines prior to the 1999 announcement exceeded two safety thresholds established by the Federal Government for a closely related substance - methylmercury. While the Federal Government has established no safety threshold for ethylmercury, experts agree that the methylmercury guidelines are a good substitute. Federal health officials have conceded that the amount of thimerosal in vaccines exceeded the EPA threshold of 0.1 micrograms per kilogram of bodyweight. In fact, the amount of mercury in one dose of DTaP or Hepatitis B vaccines (25 micrograms each) exceeded this threshold many times over. Federal health officials have not conceded that this amount of thimerosal in vaccines exceeded the FDA's more relaxed threshold of 0.4 micrograms per kilogram of body weight. In most cases, however, it clearly did. As evidence of the growing concern of the adverse effects of mercury, the FDA has recently changed its permissible dose of oral methylmercury from 0.4 microgram to 0.1 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day.
The actions taken by the HHS to remove thimerosal from vaccines in 1999 were not sufficiently aggressive. As a result, thimerosal remained in some vaccines for an additional two years. Thimerosal remains in several vaccines and with the addition of the influenza vaccine now being recommended for infants, children are exposed to more thimerosal today than ever before.
The CDC's failure to state a preference for thimerosal-free vaccines in 2000 and again in 2001 was an abdication of their responsibility. As a result, many children received vaccines containing thimerosal when thimerosal-free alternatives were available.
Thimerosal should be removed from all of these vaccines. No amount of mercury is appropriate in any childhood vaccine.
The CDC in general and the National Immunization Program in particular are conflicted in their duties to monitor the safety of vaccines, while also charged with the responsibility of purchasing vaccines for resale as well as promoting increased immunization rates.
There is inadequate research regarding ethylmercury neurotoxicity and
nephrotoxicity.
There is inadequate research regarding the relationship between autism and the use of mercury-containing vaccines.
To date, studies conducted or funded by the CDC that purportedly dispute any correlation between autism and vaccine injury have been of poor design, under-powered, and fatally flawed. The CDC's rush to support and promote such research is reflective of a philosophical conflict in looking fairly at emerging theories and clinical data related to adverse reactions from vaccinations.
For more information please visit www.safeminds.org
Table A:
Summary Comparison of Characteristics
of Autism & Mercury Poisoning
http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/thimerosal.php
Do you know what's in your child's vaccines?
http://educatebeforeyouvaccinate.com/
What's in your vaccine? Posted Sep 01 08 7:16pm Do you know what is in your child's vaccination? Do you know how they even test them to make sure they are safe?
The government's own data collection at Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System: VAERS.org is informative. By 2007, the *government* fund had paid out $1.8 billion in damages to 1500 individuals and/or parents for vaccine injuries, including death. Many of the newest vaccines have limited research on children BEFORE being marketed. Obviously, most parents are not comfortable with having experimental vaccines tried on their child. So, the manufactures rely on "Post Marketing Research". Post Marketing Research is the reporting system that doctors are required by law to document ALL reactions to vaccines. However, most every pediatrician will tell parents that fevers, lethargy, crying, pain, etc are"normal" for the first hours and days after vaccinations. And these are not reported. Long term studies of reactions beyond the first 3-30 days have research on few children. Then they extrapolate the"conclusions" to all 72,000,000 children in the US. Older vaccines have more post-market research.
And then there are the vaccine ingredients, such as human diploid cells and tissue from aborted fetus, which unquestionably places the vaccine issue into the "religious" arena for many people. (note the following list of ingredients is from an 1997 PDR; and thimerasol has been removed in most.)
Here is a link for the drug insert for each vaccine: http://www.vaccinesafety.edu/thi-table.htm Click on each vaccine (blue link by brand name) to view the ingredients, side effects, contraindications, etc.
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VACCINE INGREDIENTS
Source: 1997 Physicians' Desk Reference
Toll Free Numbers can be called to obtain product inserts.
This is a representative, not a comprehensive, list of the various types of vaccines.
Acel-Immune
DTaP
Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis
Vaccine Adsorbed Lederle Laboratories 1-800-934-5556
produced using formaldehyde, thimerosal, aluminum hydroxide, aluminum phosphate, polysorbate 80, gelatin (animal parts/bovine)
Act HIB
Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)
Tetanus Toxoid Conjugate
Connaught Laboratories1-800-822-2463
produced using ammonium sulfate, formalin, sucrose, thimerosal medium: semi-synthetic
Attenuvax
Measles Virus Vaccine Live
Merck & Co, Inc.1-800-672-6372
produced using neomycin, sorbitol, hydrolized gelatin medium: chick embryo
DPT
Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Pertussis Vaccine Adsorbed
SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals 1-800-366-8900 ext. 5231
produced using aluminum phosphate, formaldehyde, ammonium sulfate, washed sheep red blood cells, glycerol, sodium chloride, thimerosal medium: porcine (pig) pancreatic hydrolysate of casein
Energix-B
Hepatitis B
SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals 1-800-633-8900 ext. 5231
produced using aluminum hydroxide, thimerosal medium: yeast (possibly 5% residual)
Havrix Hepatitis A
SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals 1-800-633-8900 ext. 5231
produced using formalin, aluminum hydroxide, phenoxyethanol (antifreeze), polysorbate 20, residual MRC5 proteins (from medium) medium: human diploid cells (originating from human aborted fetal tissue)
Biavax Rubella and Mumps Virus Vaccine Live
Merck & Co, Inc.1-800-672-6372
produced using neomycin, sorbitol, hydrolized gelatin medium: human diploid cells (originating from human aborted fetal tissue)
Hib Titer Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)
Lederle Laboratories1-800-934-5556
produced using polyribosylribitol, ammonium sulfate, thimerosal medium: chemically defined, yeast based
Fluvirin Influenza Virus Vaccine
Medeva Pharmaceuticals 1-888-MEDEVA (716)274-5300
produced using embryonic fluid (chicken egg), neomycin, polymyxin, thimerosal, betapropiolactone medium: embryonic fluid (chicken egg)
FluShield Influenza Virus Vaccine, Trivalent, Types A&B
Wyeth-Ayerst1-800-934-5556
produced using gentamicin sulfate, formaldehyde, polysorbate 80, tri(n)butylphosphate, thimerosal medium: chick embryos
IPOL Inactivated Polio Vaccine
Connaught Laboratories 1-800-822-2463
produced using 3 types of polio virus, formaldehyde, phenoxyethanol (antifreeze), neomycin, streptomycin, polymyxin B medium: VERO cells, a continuous line of monkey kidney cells
MMR
Measles Mumps Rubella Live Virus Vaccine
Merck & Co., Inc.1-800-672-6372
produced using sorbitol, neomycin, hydrolyzed gelatin mediums: M&M - chick embryo Rubella - human diploid cells (originating from human aborted fetal tissue)
M-R-Vax
Measles and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live
Merck & Co., Inc.1-800-672-6372
produced using neomycin, sorbitol, hydrolyzed gelatin mediums: M - chick embryo R - human diploid cells (originating from human aborted fetal tissue) Menomune
Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine
Connaught Laboratories1-800-822-2463
produced using thimerosal, lactose medium: freeze dried polysaccharride antigens from Neisseria Meningitidis
Meruvax II Rubella Virus Vaccine Live
Merck & Co., Inc.1-800-672-6372
produced using neomycin, sorbitol, hydrolyzed gelatin medium: human diploid cells (originating from human aborted fetal tissue)
Mumpsvax
Mumps Virus Vaccine Live
Merck & Co., Inc.1-800-672-6372
produced using neomycin, sorbitol, hydrolyzed gelatin medium: human diploid cells (originating from human aborted fetal tissue)
Orimune Poliovirus Vaccine Live Oral Trivalent
Lederle Laboratories 1-800-934-5556
produced using 3 types of attenuated polio viruses, streptomycin, neomycin, calf serum, sorbitol medium: monkey kidney cell culture
Pneumovax Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent
Merck & Co., Inc.1-800-672-6372
produced using phenol and capsular polysaccharides from the 23 most prevalent pneumococcal types
Imovax Rabies Vaccine Adsorbed
Connaught Laboratories 1-800-822-2463
produced using human albumin, neomycin sulfate, phenol red indicator medium: human diploid cells (originating from human aborted fetal tissue)
Rabies Vaccine Adsorbed
SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals 1-800-366-8900 ext. 5231
produced using betapropiolactone, aluminum phosphate, sodiumethylmercurithiosalicylate (thimerosal), phenol red medium: fetal rhesus monkey lung cells
Recombivax
Hepatitis B Vaccine Recombinant
Merck & Co., Inc.1-800-672-6372
produced using thimerosal, aluminum hydroxidemedium: yeast (residual < 1% yeast protein)
RotaShield
Rotavirus Vaccine, Live, Oral, Tetravalent
Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories 1-800-934-5556
produced using 1 rhesus monkey rotavirus, 3 rhesus-human reassortant viruses, sucrose, monosodium glutamate (MSG), potassiummonophosphate, potassium diphosphate, fetal bovine serum, neomycinsulfate, amphotericin B medium: fetal rhesus diploid cell line
Varivax
Varicella Virus Vaccine Live
Merck & Co., Inc.1-800-672-6372
produced using sucrose, phosphate, glutamate, processed gelatin medium: human diploid cells (originating from human aborted fetal tissue)
Chemical Profiles and Definitions visit http://www.scorecard.org to investigate chemical profiles
Sources: EDF (Environmental Defense Fund) & MME (Mosby's Medical Encyclopedia)Ammonium Sulfate: EDF Suspected - gastrointestinal or liver toxicant, neurotoxicant, respiratory toxicant
Amphotericin B: MME definintion - "a drug used to treat fungus infections. Known allergy to this drug prohibits use. Side effects include blood clots, blood defects, kidney problems, nausea andfever. When used on the skin, allergic reactions can occur."
Aluminum: EDF Suspected - cardiovascular, or blood toxicant, neurotoxicant, respiratory toxicant. More hazardous than most chemicals in 2 out of 6 ranking systems. On at least 2 federal regulatory lists.
Beta-Propiolactone: EDF Recognized - carcinogen EDF Suspected - gastrointestinal or liver toxicant; respiratory toxicant; skin or sense organ toxicant. More hazardous than most chemicals in 3 out of 3 ranking systems. On at least 5 federal regulatory lists ranked as one of the most hazardous compounds (worst 10%) to humans.
Formaldehyde: EDF Recognized - carcinogen Suspected - gastrointestinal or liver toxicant; immunotoxicant, neurotoxicant, reproductive toxicant; respiratory toxicant; skin or sense organ toxicant. More hazardous than most chemicals in 5 out of 12 ranking systems. On at least 8 federal regulatory lists ranked as one of the most hazardous compounds (worst 10%) to ecosystems and human health.
Gentamicin Sulfate: an antibiotic Hydrolyzed Gelatin: obtained from selected pieces of calf and cattleskins, de-mineralized cattle bones (ossein) and pork skin.
Neomycin: an antibiotic Phenol : EDF Suspected - cardiovascular or blood toxicant aka Carbolic Acid - developmental toxicant, gastrointestinal or liver toxicant kidney toxicant, neurotoxicant respiratory toxicant, skin or sense organ toxicant. More hazardous than most chemicals in 3 out of 10 ranking systems. On at least 8 federal regulatory lists.
Phenoxyethanol: EDF Suspected - developmental toxicant, reproductive toxicant (aka: Antifreeze). Less hazardous than most chemicals in 3 ranking systems.
Polyribosylribitol: a component of the Hib bacterium Polymyxin: an antibiotic Polysorbate: EDF Suspected - skin or sense organ toxicant
Sorbitol: EDF Suspected - gastrointestinal or liver toxicant. Less hazardous than most chemicals in 1 ranking system.
Streptomycin: an antibiotic
Sucrose: refined sugar
Thimerosal: EDF Recognized - developmental toxicant. Suspected -skin or sense organ toxicant.
Tri(n)butylphosphate: EDF Suspected - kidney toxicant neurotoxicant. More hazardous than most chemicals in 2 out of 3 ranking systems. On at least 1 federal regulatory list.
http://www.naturodoc.com/library/public_health/vaccine_who_how.htm
www.AWellLivedLife.Net
www.AWellLivedLife.blogspot.com « Prev Advice for Husbands in supporting your wife’s Decision to Become a Surrogate Next » in anticipation of Hurricane Gustov: Breastfeeding & Emergencies (0) Report this Share article
Should you decide to vaccinate, a safer vaccine schedule...
VACCINE SCHEDULE ALL VACCINES SHOULD BE THIMEROSAL FREE
“Educate Before You Vaccinate”
Birth - Hepatitis B (test mother for Hep B - if positive, give vaccine - if negative, hold until 4-5 years of age)
4 months - Hib
IPV 5 months
DTaP 6 months
Hib, IPV 7 months
DTaP 8 months
Hib 9 months
DTaP 15 months
Measles 17 months
Hib, IPV 18 months
DTaP 21 months
Mumps 27 months
Rubella 2-3 years
Prevnar - 1 dose (Please do your research on this one, there are many adverse reactions reported including death)
4-5 years - Hepatitis B (3 doses - first two 1 month apart, 3rd given 6 months after first)
4-5 years - Varicella (if blood test for immunity is negative)
4-5 years - DTaP, IPV boosters 4-5 years - Test titers for Measles, Mumps, Rubella. Give only those that test negative for immunity and split out the components 6 months apart if more than one is needed.
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MOMA- Moms On A Mission For Autism-
http://www.momsonamissionforautism.org
Unlocking Autism State Representative for North Dakota
http://unlockingautism.org
Mother to Spencer 5 1/2 years (PDDNOS- Thimerasol Injured - MMR Injured)
and Mason 3 1/2 years (PDDNOS Thimerasol Injured)
http://www.angelfire.com/ar3/spencersstory/index.html
Men and Depression
NEWSWEEK COVER: Men and Depression
In the February 26 issue of Newsweek (on newsstands Monday, February 19): “Men and Depression.†Millions of men suffer silently. Now science has developed new diagnoses and treatment for this debilitating disease. Plus: Mitt Romney’s platform; Hank Paulson’s environmental policy; Robert Novak’s other source; Iran’s Quds; Tony Blair in twilight; Obama’s tough habit; why television is better than the movies; and going on vacation with three generations of family.(PRNewsFoto/NEWSWEEK)
NEW YORK, NY UNITED STATES
Six Million Men in the U.S. Will Be Diagnosed with Depression this Year, but Millions More Suffer Silently Many Fail to Recognize Symptoms; Mask with Alcohol, Drugs, Gambling, Anger, Become Workaholics Researchers Finding New Ways to Diagnose Disease with Screening Tests, Provide More Effective Treatments and Drugs NEW YORK, Feb. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Six million American men will be diagnosed with depression this year. But millions more suffer silently, unaware that their problem has a name or are unwilling to seek treatment. As Assistant Editor Julie Scelfo reports in the February 26 Newsweek cover story, "Men and Depression" (on newsstands Monday, February 19), although depression is emotionally crippling and has numerous medical implications -- some of them deadly -- many men fail to recognize the symptoms. Instead of talking about their feelings, men may mask them with alcohol, drug abuse, gambling, anger or by becoming workaholics. And even when they do realize they have a problem, men often view asking for help as an admission of weakness, a betrayal of their male identities. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070218/NYSU008 ) The result is a hidden epidemic of despair that is destroying marriages, disrupting careers, filling jail cells, clogging emergency rooms and costing society billions of dollars in lost productivity and medical bills. It is also creating a cohort of children who carry the burden of their fathers' pain for the rest of their lives. "Our definition of a successful man in this culture does not include being depressed, down or sad," says Michael Addis, chair of psychology at Clark University in Massachusetts. "In many ways it's the exact opposite. A successful man is always up, positive, in charge and in control of his emotions." Scelfo reports that some of the symptoms of depression are so severe, like gambling addiction or alcoholism, they are often mistaken for the problem. David Feherty, the CBS golf commentator and former golf pro, began drinking at such a young age it became part of his personality. "I drank a bottle of whisky in order to get ready to start drinking," he tells Newsweek. By his 40s, he routinely consumed two bottles of whisky a day, and was in such physical pain, he thought he suffered from "some kind of degenerative muscle disease." During that period, he maintained a jovial front, and kept up a steady stream of on-air wisecracks during golf tournaments. "It was a problem that just, I don't know, ate itself up and got bigger and bigger and then, one day, bang, I disappeared." When he finally learned in 2005 that he suffered from depression, he felt a combination of shock and relief. "That was the most stunning thing. I just thought I was a lousy husband and miserable bastard and a drunk," says Feherty, now 48. "A mental illness? Me? I had no idea." Scelfo reports that awareness of male depression is growing and the stigma surrounding it is beginning to lift. New tools for diagnosing the disease -- which ranges from the chronic inability to feel good, to major depression, to bipolar disorder -- and new approaches to treating it, offer hope for millions. And as scientists gain insight into how depression occurs in the brain, their findings are spurring research into an array of new treatments including faster-acting, more-effective drugs that could benefit those who struggle with what Winston Churchill called his "black dog." And researchers are helping general practitioners, who are usually the first -- and often the only -- medical professional depressed men encounter, assess a patient's emotional state when they are unwilling (or unable) to talk about their feelings. They've developed a simple screening test for doctors to use: Over the last two weeks, have you been bothered by either of the following problems: (a) little interest or pleasure in doing things? or (b) feeling down, depressed or hopeless? If a patient responds "yes," seven more questions can be administered, which result in a 0 to 27 rating. Score in hand, many physicians feel more comfortable broaching the subject of depression, and men seem more willing to discuss it. "It's a way of making it more concrete," says Indiana University's Dr. Kurt Kroenke, who helped design the questionnaires. "Patients can see how severe their scores are, just like if you showed them blood-sugar or cholesterol levels." Depression-screening tests are so effective at early detection and may prevent so many future problems (and expenses) that the U.S. Army is rolling out a new screening program for soldiers returning from Iraq. College health- center Web sites nationwide provide the service to their students, and even the San Francisco Giants offers these tests to its employees. (Read cover story at http://www.Newsweek.com) http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17190411/site/newsweek/ s.server=server() s.channel="news release" s.pageName="news_release_newsweek cover: men and depression" s.prop2="104" s.prop3="02-18-2007" /************* DO NOT ALTER ANYTHING BELOW THIS LINE ! **************/ var s_code=s.t();if(s_code)document.write(s_code); //-->
Moving Mountains
What follows is a Jim Stovall story that I'd like to share with you:
"There were two warring tribes in the Andes, one that lived in the lowlands and the other high in the mountains. The mountain people invaded the lowlanders one day, and as part of their plundering of the people, they kidnapped a baby of one of the lowlander families and took the infant with them back up into the mountains.
"The lowlanders didn't know how to climb the mountain. They didn't know any of the trails that the mountain people used, and they didn't know where to find the mountain people or how to track them in the steep terrain.
"Even so, they sent out their best party of fighting men to climb the mountain and bring the baby home.
"The men tried first one method of climbing and then another. They tried one trail and then another. After several days of effort, however, they had climbed only a couple of hundred feet. Feeling hopeless and helpless, the lowlander men decided that the cause was lost, and they prepared to return to their village below.
"As they were packing their gear for the descent, they saw the baby's mother walking toward them. They realized that she was coming down the mountain that they hadn't figured out how to climb.
"And then they saw that she had the baby strapped to her back. How could that be?
"One man greeted her and said, 'We couldn't climb this mountain. How did you do this when we, the strongest and most able men in the village, couldn't do it?'
"She shrugged her shoulders and said, 'It wasn't your baby.'"
In the eyes of others, you dream may appear to be an impossible one, but it is not their dream. Protect your dream just as the lowlands mother protected her child and you will be successful.
The Relationship Factor: When Special Needs Challenge a Household
by Cindy N. Ariel, Ph.D. and Robert Naseef, Ph.D.
Becoming a parent for the first time changes our identity forever. There is a balancingact between caring for the needs of children and putting time and effort into the maintenance and growth of ourselves and our relationships. Frequently we must redefine our values and relationships with others. This transition in the development of family life is challenged even further by disability or chronic illness. “There is a strain on any marriage whenever a baby is sick. And we always have a sick baby” according to Josh Greenfeld in A Child Called Noah (1970).
The kind of chronic stress that raising a child with special needs entails can affect relationships at their weakest points. This is certainly true for families who have “volunteered” by adopting children with special needs or providing a foster home. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2000), 47% of first marriages fail and 57% of all marriages end in divorce. Although the findings are inconsistent, there is general consensus among experts that while the divorce rates are comparable, there appears to be more reported marital distress among families of children with special needs (Seligman and Darling, Ordinary Families, Special Children, 1997).
Together you and your partner dreamed of a healthy child - now you face a life very different from what you imagined. Your overwhelming feelings, both individually and combined, are normal and natural in the situation but very difficult nonetheless. The needs of the children are often complex and illusive. Searching to find the cause of children’s developmental problems and the best treatment can be a long hard journey. Getting wrapped up in the stresses and strains of everyday life, relationships inevitably suffer from lack of attention. Communication problems, lack of time and energy for personal, marital, and family activities, and social isolation affect many families. When a disability or chronic illness is discovered, powerful emotions surface and may put relationships on trial. How can couples understand each other in the wake of such devastating pain?
For a relationship that is fragile or unstable disability can be “the last straw.” On the other hand, challenging life events can serve as catalysts for change. Some families disintegrate while others thrive despite their hardships. People can emerge from crisis revitalized and enriched. Hope for relationships really can spring from the crises people experience when their child has a disability.
If you and your partner are parenting a child with special needs, here are some suggestions to help your relationship:
Work to understand each other’s needs. Family life can be a test of love and resilience, so taking good notes and working to understand each other’s wants and needs are vital to the success and survival of an intimate relationship. Life has veered sharply from what you had expected it to be. Try not to blame each other for the situation. It takes time to sort this stuff out. Be kind to yourself and each other about how difficult this can be.
Spend alone time together. While the issues in any particular relationship are complex, it can be a good start to plan time together alone, even if only for a few hours. In study after study, people who report their marriages to be satisfying describe their spouses as their best friends, and people who are best friends have activities that they enjoy together. Most people get married, in large part, because they enjoy each other and make each other feel good. Who would have married their spouse if the last time they relaxed and/or had fun together was months ago?
A close bond between partners can help parents through the rough spots. You can start with sharing a cup of coffee or tea, dinner out, or a movie or concert.
Take care of your individual selves. Your children have conditions that may require lots of care and supervision. In the struggle to advocate for our children’s needs, our own needs as individuals and as couples get lost. Many people stop focusing on their marriage, but this never helps. As hard as it may sound at first, start to think about taking care of yourself and adding some fun and enjoyment into your life even though it can take a long time for this to feel okay. Take some time for yourself doing things you enjoy. This can be anything from physical exercise or journaling to just grabbing time to read the newspaper or a good book.
Reach out. When possible share the responsibilities at home by working together on chores, childcare, and education. It is helpful when couples both work to learn about their child’s disability, prepare for and attend IEP meetings, etc. Get involved in the special needs community if you can. There’s so much to manage everyday that reaching out to your partner, relatives or friends can help lessen the burden.
Communicate. When a person is in pain he or she may withdraw, or become frustrated and angry. It’s hard to talk about something we have no power to change or fix. At times the reactions of couples can become polarized or opposite. For example, one may notice problems in the child and tend to worry and feel negative while the other holds hope and optimism that in time everything will be fine. Try to consider all of your feelings toward your child - both positive and negative - and discuss issues in ways that will help both of you feel understood and find solutions to problems. In general, the way out requires working through the painful feelings with one’s partner and arriving at some form of joint acceptance and effective co-parenting strategies.
Seek assistance. Sometimes a mental health professional (a social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist) can be helpful to you in understanding the needs of the children, yourself, and your marriage. Some people are reluctant to take this step, but when it becomes hard to function from day to day, this kind of help may be in order. Just as you would consult more than one specialist for your child if necessary, do likewise for yourself. If your partner is too discouraged, then start by yourself. Sometimes a change in one partner changes the chemistry of the situation for the better. It is intelligent and wise to acknowledge the needs of yourself and your marriage over time as well as your child’s needs. Your special family is worth it!
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TIPS:
In spite of grim statistics and feelings of being overwhelmed, having a disability in the family can have a positive impact as well. Here are some suggestions to offer comfort and direction for couples as well as singles who are parenting a child with special needs: 1. Communication is the key so:
a. Resist the tendency to blame.
b. Ask for what you need from others; also take good notes about your partner's needs
c. Listen actively and with compassion to each other; tell each other what you're doing right.
2. Add some fun and enjoyment in your life -- alone and with your partner. If you worry too much about leaving your child with someone else, take your beeper or cell phone.
3. It helps to be as active as you are comfortable being in the community as a whole and in the special education community in particular.
4. Exercise -- almost any form of exercise will lift your sagging spirits if you do a form of exercise that you enjoy and do it regularly.
5. Journaling -- writing down thoughts and feelings and experiences is helpful for many of us trying to put things into perspective.
6. Support groups -- It is often helpful to share experiences, thoughts and feelings with others who are in the same boat" and can understand.
7. Break problems down into more manageable pieces.
8. Remember that you are both on the same parenting team - not competing or fighting against each other.
9. Seek professional guidance when necessary. It is not a sign of weakness to seek help when you need it. On the contrary it is wise to think of your needs as well as those of your children.
10. Keep in mind that a hard life can still be a good life!
Fourteen Studies on Vaccines
If science doesn’t ask the right question, the answer a study produces is useless.
Perhaps the biggest issue with the science done to date to assess the relationship between vaccines and autism is that it doesn’t reflect the real world of how vaccines are administered and the feedback from parents on how this impacts their children. Consider:
In 1983, the maximum number of separate vaccines a child would receive by the age of 5 was 10. Today, that number is 36. By the time a child is 5 years old, if their parents follow the CDC’s recommended schedule, they will have received the following vaccines, many in multiple doses (the doses is what gets you from 11 to 36: you get DTP 4 times, for example):
- Hepatitis B
- Rotavirus
- DTP
- Hib
- Pneumococcal
- Polio
- Flu
- MMR
- Varicella
- Hepatitis A
- Meningococcal (only for certain groups)
So, in a single two month-old visit, the average American child will receive 6 separate vaccines in about 15 minutes:
2 month visit:
- Hepatitis B
- Rotavirus
- DTP
- Hib
- Pneumococcal
- Polio
- Hepatitis B
- Rotavirus
- DTP
- Hib
- Pneumococcal
- Polio
- Hepatitis B
- Rotavirus
- DTP
- Hib
- Pneumococcal
- Polio
- Flu
So, of the first 20 shots given to kids, how many have been studied for their relationship to autism? The answer may surprise you: ZERO. That’s right, because only one vaccine, the MMR, has ever been studied for its relationship to autism. The MMR is a vaccine first administered to American children at 13 months of age.
But what about the 2, 4, and 6 month well-baby visits where children receive so many vaccines? The truth is they have never been studied or considered, so no one has any idea. This would be like trying to identify the source of a plane crash, suspecting mechanical failure, solely analyzing one of the wings, and then declaring the entire airplane free of culpability. But, that’s exactly what has happened.
Having spent the time to critically read every study produced to "prove" vaccines don’t cause autism, we were dumbfounded by their inadequacy. We find the comments public officials make about these studies to be even more absurd and unsupportable. Consider, from the studies, some of the actual questions that were asked:
Q: Do children receiving more thimerosal in their vaccines have different neurological outcomes from children receiving less thimerosal in their vaccines?
Q: Are autism rates different for children who received 62.5 mcg or 137.5 mcg of mercury?
Q: Did children who all received DTP vaccine with thimerosal have higher or lower rates of developmental disorders based on when they got the shots?
Q: Do Thimerosal containing vaccines administered to children raise mercury blood levels above safe standards?
Q: Does the use of RhoGam shots during pregnancy have a correlation with autism?
These 5 examples above come from 5 of the most commonly listed studies cited as "proof" that "vaccines do not cause autism." Yet, not one of them comes close to addressing this issue or answering the question we all really care about that goes something like this:
Our children receive 36 vaccines by the time they are five, including 20 by their first birthday. Is the administration of so many vaccines causing autism in certain children?
That question, so important to the health of our children and our nation, has never been asked, so it cannot yet be answered. Please look at the "fourteen studies" and see for yourself if you agree with our assessment.
Our Studies
You never hear about the science that has been published that helps support a connection between vaccines and autism and other disorders, and yet the list grows every day. Below we provide examples of some of that research. Please note that we feel very strongly that more work needs to be done, but the studies below are helping to support a foundation of understanding about autism and its relationship to the environment in general and vaccines in particular.
What this recent science appears to be telling us:
- Children who receive the entire 3-shot series of Hepatitis B Vaccine have a 9x higher rate of developmental disabilities than unvaccinated children.
Hepatitis B triple series vaccine and developmental disability in US children aged 1-9 years
Toxicological and Environmental Chemistry, September 2008
Carolyn Gallagher* and Melody Goodman
Excerpt:
"The odds of receiving EIS [special education services] were approximately nine times as great for vaccinated boys (n¼46) as for unvaccinated boys (n¼7), after adjustment for confounders. This study found statistically significant evidence to suggest that boys in United States who were vaccinated with the triple series Hepatitis B vaccine, during the time period in which vaccines were manufactured with thimerosal, were more susceptible to developmental disability than were unvaccinated boys."
Note: This is the only published study we know of in the world that compares vaccinated children to unvaccinated children.
- Vaccinated children have higher rates of autism and ADHD than unvaccinated children.
Generation Rescue: Unvaccinated children phone survey
Survey USA Phone Survey
Excerpt:
All vaccinated boys, compared to unvaccinated boys:
- Vaccinated boys were 155% more likely to have a neurological disorder (RR 2.55)
- Vaccinated boys were 224% more likely to have ADHD (RR 3.24)
- Vaccinated boys were 61% more likely to have autism (RR 1.61)
Older vaccinated boys, ages 11-17 (about half the boys surveyed), compared to older unvaccinated boys:
- Vaccinated boys were 158% more likely to have a neurological disorder (RR 2.58)
- Vaccinated boys were 317% more likely to have ADHD (RR 4.17)
- Vaccinated boys were 112% more likely to have autism (RR 2.12)
(Note: older children may be a more reliable indicator because many children are not diagnosed until they are 6-8 years old, and we captured data beginning at age 4.)
Note: This is not a published study, it's a phone survey.
- A delay in the timing of DPT vaccine lowers the rate of asthma.
Delay in diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus vaccination is associated with a reduced risk of childhood asthma
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2008
Kara L. McDonald, MS, Shamima I. Huq, BS, Lisa M. Lix, PhD, Allan B. Becker, MD, FRCPC, and Anita L. Kozyrskyj, PhD
Excerpt:
"Among 11, 531 children who received at least 4 doses of DPT, the risk of asthma was reduced to ½ in children whose first dose of DPT was delayed by more than 2 months."
Note: This study doesn't consider autism. We are providing it here because it supports the idea that a safer vaccine schedule may reduce immune system disregulation, a common problem for children with autism.
- The prevalence of neurological disorders amongst children is growing, which means the environment must be playing a role (because genetic conditions can only grow at the rate of population growth).
We cite four published studies that support this position:
Report to the Legislature on the Principle Findings from The Epidemiology of Autism in California: A Comprehensive Pilot Study
MIND Institute, UC Davis, Oct 2002.
Robert Byrd
Using data from California, the state perceived to maintain the best data on autism, this report demonstrates clearly that the rise in autism is not due to improved diagnosis and expanded diagnostic criteria, but is rather a REAL rise for which some external factor must be playing a role. Excerpt:
"There is no evidence that a loosening in the diagnostic criteria has contributed to increased number of autism clients...we conclude that some, if not all, of the observed increase represents a true increase in cases of autism in California...a purely genetic basis for autism does not fully explain the increasing autism prevalence. Other theories that attempt to better explain the observed increase in autism cases include environmental exposures to substances such as mercury; viral exposures; autoimmune disorders; and childhood vaccinations."
National Autism Prevalence Trends From United States Special Education Data.
Pediatrics, March 2005.
Craig J. Newschaffer, PhD [Johns Hopkins University].
This study shows that the rise in the incidence of autism is real and that the greatest increase took place between 1987 and 1992, which matches the timing of the near-tripling of vaccines given to our children and the tripling of mercury within those vaccines.
The Changing Prevalence of Autism In California
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, April 2003
Mark Blaxill, MBA
This study helps to refute the supposition made by some researchers that autism's epidemic may only be due to "diagnostic substitution". Excerpt:
"They have suggested that 'diagnostic substitution' accounts for an apparent increase in the incidence of autism in California that is not real. This hypothesized substitution is not supported by proper and detailed analyses of the California data."
What's Going On? The Question of Time Trends in Autism.
Public Health Reports, Nov-Dec 2004.
Mark F. Blaxill, MBA.
This detailed analysis of reported rates of autism in the United States and United Kingdom serves to further refute the assertion made by some that the "epidemic" of autism is nothing more than better diagnosis.
- When environmental toxicity in children with neurological disorders like autism is measured, it is meaningfully higher than neurotypical (normal) children.
We cite five published studies that support this position:
Porphyrinuria in Childhood Autistic Disorder: Implications for Environmental Toxicity
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 2006.
Robert Nataf, Corinne Skorupka, Lorene Amet
This new study from France utilizes a new and sophisticated measurement for environmental toxicity by assessing porphyrin levels in autistic children. It provides clear and unequivocal evidence that children with autism spectrum disorders are more toxic than their neurotypical peers. Excerpt:
"Coproporphyrin levels were elevated in children with autistic disorder relative to control groups...the elevation was significant. These data implicate environmental toxicity in childhood autistic disorder."
A Case Control Study of Mercury Burden in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Journal of American Physicians and Surgeon, 2003.
James Adams, PhD [Arizona State University].
This recent study shows, through active chelation with DMSA, that autistic children excrete significantly higher levels of mercury than their neurotypical peers, leading to the conclusion that autistic children bear a much higher load of mercury in their bodies and that chelation may be an effective treatment for removing the mercury. Excerpt:
"The data from this study, along with emerging epidemiological data showing a link between increasing mercury doses from childhood vaccines and childhood neurodevelopmental disorders, increases the likelihood that mercury is one of the main factors leading to the large increase in the rate of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. It is hoped that removing thimerosal from all childhood vaccines will contribute to a decline in the numbers of new cases of autistic spectrum disorders."
A Case Series of Children with Apparent Mercury Toxic Encephalopathies Manifesting with Clinical Symptoms of Regressive Autistic Disorder
Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, 2007
David A. Geier, Mark R. Geier
This study reviewed the case histories and medical profiles of nine autistic children and concluded that eight of the nine children were mercury toxic and this toxicity manifested itself in a manner consistent with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Excerpt:
"...these previously normally developing children suffered mercury toxic encephalopathies that manifested with clinical symptoms consistent with regressive ASDs. Evidence for mercury intoxication should be considered in the differential diagnosis as contributing to some regressive ASDs."
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and blood mercury level: a case-control study in chinese children
Neuropediatrics, August 2006
P.R. Kong [Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong].
This study demonstrates that blood mercury levels are higher for children with ADHD. Excerpt:
"There was significant difference in blood mercury levels between cases and controls, which persists after adjustment for age, gender and parental occupational status. The geometric mean blood mercury level was also significantly higher in children with inattentive and combined subtypes of ADHD. CONCLUSION: High blood mercury level was associated with ADHD. Whether the relationship is causal requires further studies."
Reduced Levels of Mercury in First Baby Haircuts of Autistic Children
International Journal of Toxicology
Dr. Amy S. Holmes, Mark F. Blaxill, Boyd E. Haley, Ph.D.
March 14, 2003
This recent study demonstrates that the levels of mercury in the birth hair of autistic children were significantly lower than their control peers. While this may at first appear contradictory, it highlights one of the critical insights to understanding mercury poisoning and autistic children: many autistic children are non-excretors of mercury. This means their capacity to excrete mercury is significantly lower than their neurotypical peers and contributes to their condition.
- The brains of children with neurological disorders are experiencing severe oxidative stress and inflammation, suggesting an environmental cause.
We cite four published studies that support this position:
Large Brains in Autism: The Challenge of Pervasive Abnormality.
The Neuroscientist, Volume 11, Number 5, 2005.
Martha Herbert, MD, PhD [Harvard University].
This study helps refute the notion that the brains of autistic children are simply wired differently and notes, "neuroinflammation appears to be present in autistic brain tissue from childhood through adulthood." Dr. Herbert suggests that chronic disease or an external environmental source (like heavy metals) may be causing the inflammation. Excerpt:
"Oxidative stress, brain inflammation, and microgliosis have been much documented in association with toxic exposures including various heavy metals...the awareness that the brain as well as medical conditions of children with autism may be conditioned by chronic biomedical abnormalities such as inflammation opens the possibility that meaningful biomedical interventions may be possible well past the window of maximal neuroplasticity in early childhood because the basis for assuming that all deficits can be attributed to fixed early developmental alterations in neural architecture has now been undermined."
Neuroglial Activation and Neuroinflammation in the Brain of Patients with Autism.
Annals of Neurology, Feb 2005.
Diana L. Vargas, MD [Johns Hopkins University].
This study, performed independently and using a different methodology than Dr. Herbert (see above) reached the same conclusion: the brains of autistic children are suffering from inflammation. Excerpt:
"Because this neuroinflammatory process appears to be associated with an ongoing and chronic mechanism of CNS dysfunction, potential therapeutic interventions should focus on the control of its detrimental effects and thereby eventually modify the clinical course of autism." Evidence of Toxicity, Oxidative Stress, and Neuronal Insult in Autism
Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Nov-Dec 2006.
Janet Kern, Anne Jones
"This article discusses the evidence for the case that some children with autism may become autistic from neuronal cell death or brain damage sometime after birth as result of insult; and addresses the hypotheses that toxicity and oxidative stress may be a cause of neuronal insult in autism..the article discusses what may be happening over the course of development and the multiple factors that may interplay and make these children more vulnerable to toxicity, oxidative stress, and neuronal insult."
Oxidative Stress in Autism
Pathophysiology, 2006.
Abha Chauhan, Ved Chauhan
This study provides a helpful overview of the growing evidence supporting the link between oxidative stress and autism. Excerpt:
"Upon completion of this article, participants should be able to: 1. Be aware of laboratory and clinical evidence of greater oxidative stress in autism. 2. Understand how gut, brain, nutritional, and toxic status in autism are consistent with greater oxidative stress. 3. Describe how anti-oxidant nutrients are used in the contemporary treatment of autism."
- Children with neurological disorders are often suffering from severe gastrointestinal distress and inflammation. A trigger of this inflammation and the resultant behaviors is the MMR vaccine.
We cite four published studies that support this position:
Ileal-lymphoid-nodular hyperplasia, non-specific colitis, and pervasive developmental disorder in children
Lancet 1998 Feb 28
Wakefield AJ, Murch SH, Anthony A, Linnell J, Casson DM, [University Department of Medicine, Royal Free Hospital and School of Medicine, London, UK]
This study demonstrates that the MMR vaccine triggered autistic behaviors and inflammatory bowel disease in autistic children. Excerpt:
"Onset of behavioral symptoms was associated, by the parents, with measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination [MMR] in eight of the 12 children, with measles infection in one child, and otitis media in another...We identified associated gastrointestinal disease and developmental regression in a group of previously normal children, which was generally associated in time with possible environmental triggers."
The Significance of Ileo-Colonic Lymphoid Nodular Hyperplasia in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.
European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, August 2005.
Andrew J. Wakefield, MD [Royal Free & University College Medical School, London].
This study demonstrates that, to a much higher degree, children with an autism spectrum disorder suffer from Ileo-Colonic Lymphoid Nodular Hyperplasia (LNH) a serious disorder of the intestinal tract. Excerpt:
"Both ileal and colonic LNH are significantly more prevalent, and of greater severity, in ASD children compared with developmentally normal controls."
Detection and Sequencing of Measles Virus from Peripheral Mononuclear Cells from Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Autism
Digestive Diseases and Sciences, 2000
Hisashi Kawashima, Takayuki Mori, Yasuyo Kashiwagi, Kouji Takekuma
This study shows that the measles in the bowels of autistic children is from the MMR vaccine. Excerpt:
"Additionally, a new syndrome has been reported in children with autism who exhibited developmental regression and gastrointestinal symptoms (autistic enterocolitis), in some cases soon after MMR vaccine. It is not known whether the virus, if confirmed to be present in these patients, derives from either wild strains or vaccine strains. ...The sequences obtained from the patients with ulcerative colitis and children with autism were consistent with being vaccine strains. The results were concordant with the exposure history of the patients. Persistence of measles virus was confirmed in PBMC in some patients with chronic intestinal inflammation."
Dysregulated Innate Immune Responses in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Their Relationship to Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Dietary Intervention.
Neuropsychobiology, 2005.
Harumi Jyonouchi, MD [New Jersey Medical School].
This study examines the link between autistic behaviors and gastrointestinal disorders and notes a possible link "between GI and behavioral symptoms mediated by innate immune abnormalities."
- One preservative used in vaccines, Thimerosal (mercury), enters the bloodstream of the child and ends up in the brain after being administered.
We cite two published studies that support this position:
Iatrogenic Exposure to Mercury After Hepatitis B Vaccination in Preterm Infants.
Journal of Pediatrics, May 2000.
Gregory V. Stajich, PharmD [Mercer University].
This study measured mercury levels in infants before and after the administration of a Hepatitis B vaccine containing Thimerosal and found that a "comparison of pre and post-vaccination mercury levels showed a significant increase in both preterm and term infants after vaccination."
Comparison of Blood and Brain Mercury Levels in Infant Monkeys Exposed to Methylmercury or Vaccines Containing Thimerosal.
Environmental Health Perspectives, Aug 2005.
Thomas Burbacher, PhD [University of Washington].
This study demonstrates clearly and unequivocally that ethyl mercury, the kind of mercury found in vaccines, not only ends up in the brain, but leaves double the amount of inorganic mercury as methyl mercury, the kind of mercury found in fish. This work is groundbreaking because little is known about ethyl mercury, and many health authorities have asserted that the mercury found in vaccines is the "safe kind." This study also delivers a strong rebuke of the Institute of Medicine's recommendation in 2004 to no longer pursue the mercury-autism connection. Excerpt:
"A recently published IOM review (IOM 2004) appears to have abandoned the earlier recommendation [of studying mercury and autism] as well as back away from the American Academy of Pediatrics goal [of removing mercury from vaccines]. This approach is difficult to understand, given our current limited knowledge of the toxicokinetics and developmental neurotoxicity of thimerosal, a compound that has been (and will continue to be) injected in millions of newborns and infants."
- Higher levels of environmental mercury has been shown to produce higher rates of autism.
We cite one published study that supports this position:
Environmental mercury release, special education rates, and autism disorder: an ecological study of Texas.
Health & Place, 2006
Raymond F. Palmer, University of Texas Health Science Center
This study demonstrated the correlation between environmental mercury and autism rates in Texas. Excerpt:
"On average, for each 1,000 lb of environmentally released mercury, there was a 43% increase in the rate of special education services and a 61% increase in the rate of autism. The association between environmentally released mercury and special education rates were fully mediated by increased autism rates. This ecological study suggests the need for further research regarding the association between environmentally released mercury and developmental disorders such as autism."
- The preservatives in vaccines, most notably Thimerosal (mercury) and aluminum, are highly toxic and damaging to the nervous system and immune system of a developing child, and reactions to these toxins may vary greatly by child.
We cite nine published studies that support this position:
Thimerosal Neurotoxicity is Associated with Glutathione Depletion: Protection with Glutathione Precursors.
Neurotoxicology, Jan 2005.
S. Jill James, PhD [University of Arkansas].
This recent study demonstrates that Thimerosal lowers or inhibits the body's ability to produce Glutathione, an antioxidant and the body's primary cellular-level defense against mercury. Excerpt:
"Thimerosal-induced cytotoxicity was associated with depletion of intracellular Glutathione in both cell lines...The potential effect of Glutathione or N-acetylcysteine against mercury toxicity warrants further research as possible adjunct therapy to individuals still receiving Thimerosal-containing vaccines."
Uncoupling of ATP-mediated Calcium Signaling and Dysregulated IL-6 Secretion in Dendritic Cells by Nanomolar Thimerosal
Environmental Health Perspectives, July 2006.
Samuel R. Goth, Ruth A. Chu Jeffrey P. Gregg
This study demonstrates that very low-levels of Thimerosal can contribute to immune system disregulation. Excerpt:
"Our findings that DCs primarily express the RyR1 channel complex and that this complex is uncoupled by very low levels of THI with dysregulated IL-6 secretion raise intriguing questions about a molecular basis for immune dyregulation and the possible role of the RyR1 complex in genetic susceptibility of the immune system to mercury."
Aluminum adjuvant linked to gulf war illness induces motor neuron death in mice
Neuromolecular Medicine, 2007
Christopher Shaw, Ph.D. [Department of Ophthalmology and Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada]
This study demonstrates the extreme toxicity of the aluminum adjuvant used as a preservative in vaccines. Excerpt:
"testing showed motor deficits in the aluminum treatment group that expressed as a progressive decrease in strength measured...Significant cognitive deficits in water-maze learning were observed in the combined aluminum and squalene group...Apoptotic neurons were identified in aluminum-injected animals that showed significantly increased activated caspase-3 labeling in lumbar spinal cord (255%) and primary motor cortex (192%) compared with the controls. Aluminum-treated groups also showed significant motor neuron loss (35%) and increased numbers of astrocytes (350%) in the lumbar spinal cord."
Activation of Methionine Synthase by Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 and Dopamine: a Target for Neurodevelopmental Toxins and Thimerosal.
Molecular Psychiatry, July 2004.
Richard C. Deth, PhD [Northeastern University].
This study demonstrates how Thimerosal inhibits methylation, a central driver of cellular communication and development. Excerpt:
"The potent inhibition of this pathway [methylation] by ethanol, lead, mercury, aluminum, and thimerosal suggests it may be an important target of neurodevelopmental toxins."
Neurotoxic Effects of Postnatal Thimerosal are Mouse Strain Dependent.
Molecular Psychiatry, Sep 2004.
Mady Hornig, MD [Columbia University].
This recent work by Columbia University Doctors explores whether genes are important in determining if mercury exposures akin to those in childhood immunizations can disrupt brain development and function. It is the first known scientific study done specifically on ethlymercury administered in a way similar to the vaccine schedule. Dr. Hornig discussed the study before Congress in September 2004. Excerpt:
"The premise of our research is that if mercury in vaccines creates risk for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, genetic differences are likely to contribute to that risk. Earlier studies, however, did not use the form of mercury present in vaccines, known as thimerosal, and did not consider whether intramuscular, repetitive administration during early postnatal development, when the brain and immune systems are still maturing, might intensify toxicity. Our predictions were confirmed. Using thimerosal dosages and timing that approximated the childhood immunization schedule, our model of postnatal thimerosal neurotoxicity demonstrated that the genes in mice that predict mercury-related immunotoxicity also predicted nuerodevelopmental damage. Features reminiscent of those observed in autism occurred in the mice of the genetically sensitive strain."
Thimerosal induces DNA breaks, Caspase-3 Activation, Membrane Damage, and Cell Death in Cultured Human Neurons and Fibroblasts.
Toxicological Science, 2003.
David S. Baskin, MD [Baylor College of Medicine].
This study demonstrates the potent toxicity of Thimerosal on brain cells.
Organic Mercury Compounds and Autoimmunity.
Autoimmunity Review, 2005.
Said Havarinasab, MD [Linkoping University].
This study demonstrates the clear link between ethylmercury [from Thimerosal] and autoimmune responses.
Mercury and autism: Accelerating Evidence?
Neuroendocrinology Letters, Oct 2005.
Joachim Mutter, M.D. [Freiburg University, Germany].
This recent study from Germany summarizes many of the recent scientific advances. Excerpt:
"The causes of autism and neurodevelopmental disorders are unknown. Genetic and environmental risk factors seem to be involved...Repetitive doses of thimerosal leads to neurobehavioral deteriorations in autoimmune susceptible mice, increased oxidative stress and decreased intracellular levels of glutathione in vitro. Subsequently, autistic children have significantly decreased level of reduced glutathione. Promising treatments of autism involve detoxification of mercury, and supplementation of deficient metabolites."
Retrograde Degeneration of Neurite Membrane Structural Integrity of Nerve Growth In Vitro Exposure to Mercury.
NeuroReport, 2001.
Christopher Leong, MD [University of Calgary].
This study shows how mercury damages brain cells.
- The symptoms of autism and the symptoms of mercury poisoning appear to be very similar.
We cite one published study that support this position:
Autism: A Novel Form of Mercury Poisoning.
Medical Hypothesis, 2001.
Sallie Bernard, Albert Enyati, Lynn Redwood, RN, Teresa Binstock, PhD.
This simple but groundbreaking work spelled it out for the layperson by demonstrating that the symptoms of autism and the symptoms of mercury poisoning are identical. Excerpt:
"Due to the extensive parallels between autism and mercury poisoning, the likelihood of a causal relationship is great. Given that possibility, Thimerosal should be removed from all childhood vaccines and the mechanisms of mercury toxicity in autism should be thoroughly investigated."
- The Government Reform Committee of the U.S. Congress has published reports on the relationship between mercury and autism and on the conflicts in policy-making for the national immunization schedule.
We cite two studies by the Committee on Government Reform of the U.S. Congress:
Mercury in Medicine - Taking Unnecessary Risks
Congressional Record - Extensions of Remarks
Congressman Dan Burton (R-IN), Committee on Government Reform
May 21, 2003
This extensive report was prepared by the staff of the Subcommittee on Human Rights and Wellness and was the result of a three-year investigation. The Committee on Government Reform, chaired by Congressman Dan Burton, initiated the investigation and compiled the testimony of hundreds of researchers and physicians, as well as representatives from the FDA and CDC, who presented to the committee. Excerpt:
"Mercury is hazardous to humans. Its use in medicinal products is undesirable, unnecessary and should be minimized or eliminated entirely. Manufacturers of vaccines and thimerosal, (an ethlymercury compound used in vaccines), have never conducted adequate testing on the safety of thimerosal. The FDA has never required manufacturers to conduct adequate safety testing on thimerosal and ethlymercury compounds...Thimerosal used as a preservative in vaccines is likely related to the autism epidemic. This epidemic in all probability may have been prevented or curtailed had the FDA not been asleep at the switch regarding injected thimerosal and the sharp rise of infant exposure to this known neurotoxin. Our public health agencies' failure to act is indicative of institutional malfeasance for self-protection and misplaced protectionism of the pharmaceutical industry."
Conflicts of Interest in Vaccine Policy Making
Majority Staff Report, Committee on Government Reform, U.S. House of Representatives
June 15, 2000
"Members of the advisory committees are required to disclose any financial conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from participating in decisions in which they have an interest. The Committee’s investigation has determined that conflict of interest rules employed by the FDA and the CDC have been weak, enforcement has been lax, and committee members with substantial ties to pharmaceutical companies have been given waivers to participate in committee proceedings."
More links:
Death by Vaccines
http://iansvoice.org/default.aspx
Fourteen Studies, Vaccines
http://www.fourteenstudies.org/
Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
http://www.hrsa.gov/Vaccinecompensation/
GFCF Diet
http://www.gfcfdiet.com/
Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey's Autism Organization - Generation Rescue
http://www.generationrescue.org/
Autism Service Dogs
http://www.4pawsforability.org/autismdogs.html
Talk About Curing Autism
http://www.talkaboutcuringautism.org/index.htm
National Autism Association
http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/
Autism and ABA (Cambridge Center)
http://www.behavior.org/autism/
Thoughtful House Center for Children
http://www.thoughtfulhouse.org/
Families for Early Autism Treatment
http://www.feat.org/
Autism Society of America (IDEA & Your Child's Rights)
http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=life_edu_idea
Gluten-free, casein-free AND SOY-free Cheeses! And they are GOOD!
https://www.allergyfreefoods.com/products.asp?category=5
Autism Center-Stresses on Families
http://oreilly.com/medical/autism/news/stress_family.html
Gluten-free Meals
http://www.gfmeals.com/
Defeat Autism Now!
http://www.defeatautismnow.com/
Different Roads to Learning (Therapy Materials)
http://www.difflearn.com/