Autism and vaccines

[Dead Fingers]

As a new parent, it is hard to not be aware of the controversy at the moment. From what I have looked at, there is currently no connection between the two. But, I was struck by an opinion piece (http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080617/OPINION12/806170325/1002/OPINION) that said
At least half of Americans believe that immunizations can trigger autism despite overwhelming credible evidence to the contrary.

Not sure how they cam upo with that, but that could have serious implications.

What I am interested in is one, what are people's thoughts on the issue? Do we immunize too soon, regardless?

[Boundzy]

I think the connection between Autism and vaccines is so strong in the minds of many, despite very limited evidence, because of the temporal relationship between the typical age of onset of Autism and the typical age of vaccinations. There is a temporal relationship, but this does not infer a causal relationship.

One of the main arguments for a causal relationship purports that mercury found in some vaccines is the culprit. However, this does not seem valid as mercury levels in vaccines and other products are lower now than ever, but rates of Autism appear to be increasing.

I certainly don't pretend to have the answer, but I do not believe that vaccines cause Autism. Could the stress of a vaccine trigger Autism in a person genetically predisposed for Autism? I think it probably could, as could many other stressors, such as an illness.

As a final remark, know that when you say "Autism" it may mean different things to different people. There is a diagnosis of Autism, but people also refer to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), which would include other diagnoses, such as Asperger's Disorder.

[Dead Fingers]

I think the connection between Autism and vaccines is so strong in the minds of many, despite very limited evidence, because of the temporal relationship between the typical age of onset of Autism and the typical age of vaccinations. There is a temporal relationship, but this does not infer a causal relationship.

One of the main arguments for a causal relationship purports that mercury found in some vaccines is the culprit. However, this does not seem valid as mercury levels in vaccines and other products are lower now than ever, but rates of Autism appear to be increasing.

I certainly don't pretend to have the answer, but I do not believe that vaccines cause Autism. Could the stress of a vaccine trigger Autism in a person genetically predisposed for Autism? I think it probably could, as could many other stressors, such as an illness.

As a final remark, know that when you say "Autism" it may mean different things to different people. There is a diagnosis of Autism, but people also refer to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), which would include other diagnoses, such as Asperger's Disorder.

Thanks for the remarks. Good point about "autism" and how it differs. Thanks!

[revelation]

Never underestimate the power of people wanting an explanation no matter how far-fetched when faced with a complete unknown. Autism is a scary disease - no known cause and no known cure. People in uncontrolled situations are latching onto something that they can point to and say "that must be the culprit".

So instead of preventing known diseases that range from mild to debilitating to fatal, people are focusing on a fear of the unknown. I'd say, you shouldn't gamble with your child's life and get them vaccinated against known horrors such as polio and measles.

While I would debate about the US vaccination schedule (four shots at once is pretty traumatic) versus the European vaccination schedule (spreading the shots out over time and fewer of most vaccines), there is no reasonable argument against vaccination based on scientific literature.

[bballmom]

a huge debate in my house. Not sure what I think yet. I've got books, searched the web. I can't come up with an opinion that I stick with.

[Sachin]

What scientific evidence have you found for the pro side of the debate?

[royalstilton]

What scientific evidence have you found for the pro side of the debate?
scientific evidence that vaccination is good? 60% of children under the age of 10 in Sweden contracted pertussis (whooping cough) during the 15 year period following 1979 when immunization was suspended. only about 20 children died, because of effective medical oversight, but pertussis claims about 300K deaths a year in developing countries.

[Sachin]

Sorry.. pro vaccines causing autism.

[royalstilton]

Sorry.. pro vaccines causing autism.
cool.

the standard riff is that there used to be an incidence of autism on the order of 1 in 1500. now the incidence is 1 in 150. the inference is made that immunizations have increased in numbers -- we used to immunize against 8-10 diseases; now we immunize against twice that number -- so the amount of bad stuff that is in vaccines, mercury-based compounds in particular, have caused the autism problem.

btw, i'm not using exact numbers, just rough estimates to demonstrate the situation in broad terms.

there is some conspiracy theory going on here. anti-vaccination folks argue that the drug companies are cutting corners and there is too much money involved to trust that the oversight is making sure that the vaccines are safe.