On Healthy Living

They have officially debunked the theory of a link between the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine and autism (also asperger syndrome). This has been in the media for quite a while, many parents thinking there was a possible link to the vaccine and their child’s autism. However, even though the immunization against these childhood illnesses has officially been ruled out by the medical field as the cause, I think a lot of parents still have a hard time believing these new findings. That is, at least until there has been absolute proof stating otherwise. Maybe as time passes, and an actual cause of autism is discovered, parents will feel truly safe again about having their young children immunized.

This new theory is based on the findings during the study of antibody blood tests on 240 children in the UK. Other tests, similarly conducted, were among 31,000 children in Japan and 28,000 children in Canada, citing other possible environmental factors as being the cause for autism. However, no further idea of what these “environmental factors” actually might be, has been given.

There has been an overwhelming rise in autism, especially in boys, over the past decade. Many believe the cause of this is due to the vaccine containing thimerosal, a mercury based preservative. However, this element has since been removed from the vaccine, yet the rise in autism is still prevalent. This has raised a lot of concern for worried parents, many of whom have chosen not to immunize their youngsters. Even though the link has been disputed by the professionals, some parents have little faith in the medical field when it comes to vaccines and medications and the safety of their children’s health.

Added to the already growing fear in parents, regarding their children’s health, are a barrage of companies and “interest groups” popping up offering their cures for autism….at a high cost. Many of these cures are almost as bad as the condition, such as sitting in a sauna and ingesting handfuls of vitamins to detoxify the body of all traces of mercury. This brings all kinds of charlatans out of the woodwork trying to make a quick buck. Some good advice to parents is to be informed before you try any unconventional “cures”. Many parents have found by introducing a healthy diet to their child’s menu, along with “play” therapy, can help to alleviate some of the symptoms of autism.

Kathy Dove wrote this on February 10th, 2008 and filed it under Healthy Living, Children's Health |