Re: FW: Hepatitis B Vaccination of Male Neonates and Autism Diagnosis

January 15, 2011

I have 2 boys one is nt and one is pddnos and ADHD. The pdd child was from birth and they both have had the same vaccines. I don't know if I believe all the vaccines causing autism hype especially in my case with one being pdd from birth. The only thing that makes me think that maybe it's a vaccine thing is that I had the mmr shot 3 or 4 months before I got preggo with him and maybe that was a factor in why he has pdd. He also had chronic ear infections and in antibiotics a lot befor he was a year old. I think there are lots of factors involved and why some kids are more prone to getting autism I don't know. But it is something that needs more research. Sent from my iPhone

Not all vaccinated kids are autistic so no one can make a blanket statement that vaccines cause autism. My doctor has 2 kids with autism, the non-vaccinated one is now on mangaged recovery. The vaccinated child is not so lucky. However, some parents have had financial judgments in their favor based on vaccinations triggering autism-like symptoms. Or seziure death as the result of a vaccine.

On another note - who quoted 1 in 271 in the US Amish population have a spectrum diagnosis? I've never heard that.

>

> >This is the SUNY Stony Brook finding republished in the Journal of Toxicology

> >and Environmental Health.

> >

> > Byrne

> >

> >1 in 110 in the general US population have a spectrum diagnosis. 1 in 271 in

> >the US Amish population (IMFAR 03/2010) have a spectrum diagnosis. There's more

> >to this issue than vaccines. Read our kids'stories online at Caring Bridge -

> >http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/prestonbyrne and

> >http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/toribyrne

> >

> ________________________________

>

> >To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy

> >Sent: Fri, January 14, 2011 4:41:13 PM

> >Subject: RE: FW: Hepatitis B Vaccination of Male

> >Neonates and Autism Diagnosis

> >

> >Nagla:

> >

> >Is this the SUNY Stony Brook finding, or a new report (or an old report) from

> >another source?

> >

> >Hilda

> >

> >From:Texas-Autism-Advocacy

> >[mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy ] On Behalf Of Nagla Moussa

> >Sent: Friday, January 14, 2011 4:35 PM

> >To: texas-autism-advocacy

> >Subject: FW: Hepatitis B Vaccination of Male Neonates

> >and Autism Diagnosis

> >

> >Hepatitis B Vaccination of Male Neonates and Autism Diagnosis, NHIS 1997-2002

> >Authors: Carolyn M. Gallagherab; Melody S. Goodmanbc

> >

> >Abstract

> >Universal hepatitis B vaccination was recommended for U.S. newborns in 1991;

> >however, safety findings are mixed. The association between hepatitis B

> >vaccination of male neonates and parental report of autism diagnosis was

> >determined. This cross-sectional study used weighted probability samples

> >obtained from National Health Interview Survey 1997-2002 data sets. Vaccination

> >status was determined from the vaccination record. Logistic regression was used

> >to estimate the odds for autism diagnosis associated with neonatal hepatitis B

> >vaccination among boys age 3-17 years, born before 1999, adjusted for race,

> >maternal education, and two-parent household. Boys vaccinated as neonates had

> >threefold greater odds for autism diagnosis compared to boys never vaccinated

> or

> >vaccinated after the first month of life. Non-Hispanic white boys were 64% less

> >likely to have autism diagnosis relative to nonwhite boys. Findings suggest

> that

> >U.S. male neonates vaccinated with the hepatitis B vaccine prior to 1999 (from

> >vaccination record) had a threefold higher risk for parental report of autism

> >diagnosis compared to boys not vaccinated as neonates during that same time

> >period. Nonwhite boys bore a greater risk.

> >

>

January 15, 2011

" Not all vaccinated kids are autistic so no one can make a blanket statement

that vaccines cause autism. "

Though I hate to get involved in this debate, I'm going to go ahead and address

this specific statement with the following. Not all people who smoke develop

lung cancer, but we can say with authority now that smoking DEFINITELY causes

lung cancer.

My personal opinion (having only been on this journey for a year and a half now)

is that like cancer, there are different environmental toxins that trigger

autism in different children. I do not believe that vaccines were the only

factor that caused my son to regress, if they even played a role at all.

I was completely paranoid (because I had been listening to the screams of all of

the parents of autistic children) when I had my first son (we have two

neuro-typical girls), and I delayed vaccinations and then spread them out.

Because only had a couple of words at 15 months, I decided to stop

vaccinating him at that point (knowing that the MMR was next). He regressed

(suddenly and significantly) 4 months later, and again 3 months after that, and

again 6 months after that, and again 3 months after that. We've tested for

seizures, we're on a GF/CF/SF diet and are still eliminating problem foods and

adding better foods. We've done 14 months of early intensive therapy (40 hours a

week of speech, ABA, P/T and O/T), and he's worse today socially and

language-wise than he was a year ago.

Anyway, my point was that just because not all vaccinated children do not

develop autism, you cannot say with any kind of certainty that vaccines don't

trigger autism.

I have been put off by the in-fighting in the autism community for the past year

and a half and find it a shame that parents can't be a little more open minded

about what others believe had an impact on THEIR child. We all know that if

you've met one autistic child, you've met ONE autistic child, so why is it so

hard to believe that there can be a number of triggers out there? I am dismayed

that there are parents who are so glued to the toxin/genetic factor that they

believe caused their child's regression that they feel compelled to try to

discredit the toxins/genetic factor that caused someone else's child's autism.

I don't understand what there is to gain by trying to discredit the possibility

that vaccines trigger autism in some children OR the possibility that diet is to

blame for other children OR the fact that genetics could be the ENTIRE reason

that yet another child regresses. All is does is make people like me feel like

we don't have a community at all.

Serena

>

> >Not all vaccinated kids are autistic so no one can make a blanket statement

that

> >vaccines cause autism. My doctor has 2 kids with autism, the non-vaccinated

one

> >is now on mangaged recovery. The vaccinated child is not so lucky. However,

> >some parents have had financial judgments in their favor based on

vaccinations

> >triggering autism-like symptoms. Or seziure death as the result of a

vaccine.

> >

> >On another note - who quoted 1 in 271 in the US Amish population have a

spectrum

> >diagnosis? I've never heard that.

> >

>

January 16, 2011

Serena,I totally understand your feelings and understand people who do not want to debate, but in many instances healthy debate is a very good thing. Debate is often how we find answers, understanding, compassion, intrigue, and the fostering of critical thinking.

This country was born of debate -- and as we know, it wasn't always healthy. The vast majority of literature during the Revolutionary Period is teeming with very well-worded debate, so much so, that that time period is called " The War of Words. "

Certainly, no one who dislikes debate should get involved in one. Now one has to read nor respond to a thread one doesn't wish to become involved in. It's like turning a television off. All you have to do is highlight and click " delete " .

Those who do choose to get involved in debate must have thick skins and it would also be nice if they could stick to at least the modicum of social graces. Stick to facts, supporting details, state " in my opinion, " etc... Never attack the person personally. Then that person's argument just falls apart. In the beginning, I was rather fanatical about hte gf/cf/sf diet because it had worked so well for my son, but it was through healthy debate that I realized sadly it does not work for every child.

Let us concede that there are MANY triggers for autism. Some children regressed over time, some regressed immediately following vaccines. Whatever the trigger, whatever the cause, we ARE a community here. No one is going to like or agree with every thread that gets started. Choose threads wisely.

But know that healthy debate is a good thing. It can help us choose our leaders, it can help us think about new ideas and new perspectives, and it can help us find common ground. No one is required to participate in one.

This thread lead you and Carolyn to find common ground. Some parents are fanatical about diet, but when they have found something that worked for their children, they want and wish so badly that it can work for every child! Oh if only that could be true! So please don't be too hard on them. We are all fanatical about helping our children!

In any debate, an opposing side may introduce a lurker who is a plant to instigates dissension within a group. This has happened throughout time perpetually. If you cause dissent within a group, you weaken the group as a whole. Many here have learned to recognize a lurker and one can get involved in discourse with them or ignore them. It's an individual choice.

I love healthy debate. I believe it can help us think about and find ideas and answers we hadn't thought about before, but yes, I hate it if the debaters begin to attack once another. I am so secure in the belief as to what triggered my child's autism, that no one is ever going to be able to change my mind. Likewise, I would never assume that is absolutely what caused the consideration in any other child (though I might think it a contributing factor, I would not try to force you to believe it).

I have found this group to be very supportive and helpful over the years. Glean from it what will help you. Delete what you feel is not productive nor helpful. " Communities, " families, and any other organization is comprised of a group of individuals with varying view points. We don't have all the answers. God I wish we did. We can only speak form our own experience. I am CERTAIN that my son's fifteen month shots immediately " triggered " his autism. Why he did not wind up with autism during the shots prior to this, I cannot explain other than that I believe each individual has a toxic tipping point, which would explain why some kids get autism while others don't, why some people get cancer while others don't.

The causes may well be myriad, but one thing is certain: the numbers that exist and continue to rise are at such a level as to give us pause. I believe these children are telling us something. Something is wrong, and it is most likely a combination of factors. I believe in those factors exists components which pose a threat eventually to the human race as a whole. But this is just my belief and my opinion. You do not have to agree here.

Children as a whole in this country are not healthier. Childhood cancers, diabetes, asthma, and yes, what we call " auto-immune " diseases have all risen exponentially in the last twenty-five years, and it is quite possible that if we change ALL the things mentioned in our friendly discourses: the vaccine table, the toxicity of vaccines, the food we feed our children, clean up the air they breathe, clean up the water they drink, increase physical activity, and work toward good sanitation practices that we could stem the tide of this disorder in many children. Looking at genes is also important, but there are many families including our own that have one child and that one child is the first to have developed autism, asthma, immune issues etc... even if one looks back generations. That would indicate that in my son's case, genetics cannot be the dominant answer.

If vaccines are a " trigger " for " some " children, then it is highly unethical to vaccinate ALL children and just consider those with this " genetic " or whatever predisposition to becoming autistic afterward as an " acceptable loss. " That is exactly how the neurologist who diagnosed him with heavy metal poisoning referred to him: " a loss, " but we were told to console ourselves with the supposed fact that vaccines help so many, and our son was sacrificed for the greater good. Cold comfort. And who gave doctors or government the right to play GOD and think it acceptable to throw away ANY child?

I appreciate your point of view, and do not demand that you accept mine as the one true view. Of course it isn't. It is just the unique reality of my son's story.I cannot explain why my son got extremely better with diet, metabolic supports, and therapy alone. What I would give if this were the case and all children could improve as he did! But these things did not " cure " him. His journey is on-going, and many questions remain. In my opinion it is the mercury that still resides in his body and brain, and I will address this because it is what I believe. If we chelate for years, and he does not get any better (which I doubt), I will at least know I tried. Better to look back and know I tried than to wonder, " What if I had...? " But no one is telling you you HAVE TO do this or that. You gather information and build your own path.

Debate allows us to discuss these things. Mercury is pervasive in many products we buy and use and of course it is in vaccines. Mercury is a key ingredient in embalming fluid, and as the bodies decompose, that mercury winds up eventually in the soil or can leech up into the air in the form of vapor. Mercury, as we all know, is in amalgam fillings. Mercury is a by product of the manufacturing of many things such as cement. It can be found in myriad electronic devices we use every day.

Why a society would rely so heavily on a compound that is so utterly toxic is beyond my comprehension. But the human body's immune system has the propensity to change and adapt to its environment and anything it perceives is a threat to it as a whole, so genes --specifically their mutation may well be a large component in this disorder as a means of the human immune system trying to adapt, evolve, cope with mercury's pervasive presence in our lives. Or the immune system is sending up red flares saying, " Stop, you idiots! Look what you are doing to humanity by using this stuff in everything! " It is up to the individual to decide what this disorder is telling us.

This is a community here. We all have varying degrees of different opinions, and I hope we may continue to discuss these differences in the spirit of a supportive and compassionate community. For myself, I am utterly grateful for the Internet as I would never have learned how to help my son without it. If I have to put up with plants or instigators once in a while or those who can't debate without making it personal, so be it. I have learned a lot. I could not have made it without this group, the A-M group, and now the RFA group.

In my opinion, we are all brothers and sisters of circumstance. If I see something come through that says, " Study shows vaccines have no link to autism, " I'm just going to hit delete and move on. I'm not buying ANY study unless i know WHO paid for it, who oversaw it, what their connection is to government -including the CDC and the FDA, and I want to know if any involved in the study ever had any tie to these agencies or to a pharmaceutical company. Without knowing these things, I could never give any weight to a study. I'm a tough sell.

I agree with you. Whoever stated that figure on the Amish have not given enough evidence to make the study plausible. I deleted that original message. We have a Mennonite community here that does not vaccinate. They have NO autism in that community,and they have their own school, but in our community at large (a small town) which pushes and threatens for vaccination with the " they can't come to school " blackmail, we have several children with autism. Interesting.

If someone wants to bring attention to a study here, then they should explain who is paying for that study,who is conducting the research, and how many children were involved over what amount of time, and I want to know their connections. Otherwise, I pay no attention to it.

January 16, 2011

Haven, I have NO issue with respectful debate, but that's not always what

happens here.

>

> Serena,

>

> I totally understand your feelings and understand people who do not want to

> debate, but in many instances healthy debate is a very good thing. Debate

> is often how we find answers, understanding, compassion, intrigue, and the

> fostering of critical thinking.

>

> This country was born of debate -- and as we know, it wasn't always

> healthy. The vast majority of literature during the Revolutionary Period is

> teeming with very well-worded debate, so much so, that that time period is

> called " The War of Words. "

>

> Certainly, no one who dislikes debate should get involved in one. Now one

> has to read nor respond to a thread one doesn't wish to become involved in.

> It's like turning a television off. All you have to do is highlight and

> click " delete " .

>

> Those who do choose to get involved in debate must have thick skins and it

> would also be nice if they could stick to at least the modicum of social

> graces. Stick to facts, supporting details, state " in my opinion, " etc...

> Never attack the person personally. Then that person's argument just falls

> apart. In the beginning, I was rather fanatical about hte gf/cf/sf diet

> because it had worked so well for my son, but it was through healthy debate

> that I realized sadly it does not work for every child.

>

> Let us concede that there are MANY triggers for autism. Some children

> regressed over time, some regressed immediately following vaccines.

> Whatever the trigger, whatever the cause, we ARE a community here. No one

> is going to like or agree with every thread that gets started. Choose

> threads wisely.

>

> But know that healthy debate is a good thing. It can help us choose our

> leaders, it can help us think about new ideas and new perspectives, and it

> can help us find common ground. No one is required to participate in one.

>

> This thread lead you and Carolyn to find common ground. Some parents are

> fanatical about diet, but when they have found something that worked for

> their children, they want and wish so badly that it can work for every

> child! Oh if only that could be true! So please don't be too hard on

> them. We are all fanatical about helping our children!

>

> In any debate, an opposing side may introduce a lurker who is a plant to

> instigates dissension within a group. This has happened throughout time

> perpetually. If you cause dissent within a group, you weaken the group as a

> whole. Many here have learned to recognize a lurker and one can get

> involved in discourse with them or ignore them. It's an individual choice.

>

> I love healthy debate. I believe it can help us think about and find ideas

> and answers we hadn't thought about before, but yes, I hate it if the

> debaters begin to attack once another. I am so secure in the belief as to

> what triggered my child's autism, that no one is ever going to be able to

> change my mind. Likewise, I would never assume that is absolutely what

> caused the consideration in any other child (though I might think it a

> contributing factor, I would not try to force you to believe it).

>

> I have found this group to be very supportive and helpful over the years.

> Glean from it what will help you. Delete what you feel is not productive

> nor helpful.

>

> " Communities, " families, and any other organization is comprised of a group

> of individuals with varying view points. We don't have all the answers. God

> I wish we did. We can only speak form our own experience. I am CERTAIN

> that my son's fifteen month shots immediately " triggered " his autism. Why

> he did not wind up with autism during the shots prior to this, I cannot

> explain other than that I believe each individual has a toxic tipping point,

> which would explain why some kids get autism while others don't, why some

> people get cancer while others don't.

>

> The causes may well be myriad, but one thing is certain: the numbers that

> exist and continue to rise are at such a level as to give us pause. I

> believe these children are telling us something. Something is wrong, and it

> is most likely a combination of factors. I believe in those factors exists

> components which pose a threat eventually to the human race as a whole. But

> this is just my belief and my opinion. You do not have to agree here.

>

> Children as a whole in this country are not healthier. Childhood cancers,

> diabetes, asthma, and yes, what we call " auto-immune " diseases have all

> risen exponentially in the last twenty-five years, and it is quite possible

> that if we change ALL the things mentioned in our friendly discourses: the

> vaccine table, the toxicity of vaccines, the food we feed our children,

> clean up the air they breathe, clean up the water they drink, increase

> physical activity, and work toward good sanitation practices that we could

> stem the tide of this disorder in many children. Looking at genes is also

> important, but there are many families including our own that have one child

> and that one child is the first to have developed autism, asthma, immune

> issues etc... even if one looks back generations. That would indicate that

> in my son's case, genetics cannot be the dominant answer.

>

> If vaccines are a " trigger " for " some " children, then it is highly unethical

> to vaccinate ALL children and just consider those with this " genetic " or

> whatever predisposition to becoming autistic afterward as an " acceptable

> loss. " That is exactly how the neurologist who diagnosed him with heavy

> metal poisoning referred to him: " a loss, " but we were told to console

> ourselves with the supposed fact that vaccines help so many, and our son was

> sacrificed for the greater good. Cold comfort. And who gave doctors or

> government the right to play GOD and think it acceptable to throw away ANY

> child?

>

> I appreciate your point of view, and do not demand that you accept mine as

> the one true view. Of course it isn't. It is just the unique reality of my

> son's story.

>

> I cannot explain why my son got extremely better with diet, metabolic

> supports, and therapy alone. What I would give if this were the case and

> all children could improve as he did! But these things did not " cure " him.

> His journey is on-going, and many questions remain. In my opinion it is the

> mercury that still resides in his body and brain, and I will address this

> because it is what I believe. If we chelate for years, and he does not get

> any better (which I doubt), I will at least know I tried. Better to look

> back and know I tried than to wonder, " What if I had...? " But no one is

> telling you you HAVE TO do this or that. You gather information and build

> your own path.

>

> Debate allows us to discuss these things. Mercury is pervasive in many

> products we buy and use and of course it is in vaccines. Mercury is a key

> ingredient in embalming fluid, and as the bodies decompose, that mercury

> winds up eventually in the soil or can leech up into the air in the form of

> vapor. Mercury, as we all know, is in amalgam fillings. Mercury is a by

> product of the manufacturing of many things such as cement. It can be found

> in myriad electronic devices we use every day.

>

> Why a society would rely so heavily on a compound that is so utterly toxic

> is beyond my comprehension. But the human body's immune system has the

> propensity to change and adapt to its environment and anything it perceives

> is a threat to it as a whole, so genes --specifically their mutation may

> well be a large component in this disorder as a means of the human immune

> system trying to adapt, evolve, cope with mercury's pervasive presence in

> our lives. Or the immune system is sending up red flares saying, " Stop, you

> idiots! Look what you are doing to humanity by using this stuff in

> everything! " It is up to the individual to decide what this disorder is

> telling us.

>

> This is a community here. We all have varying degrees of different

> opinions, and I hope we may continue to discuss these differences in the

> spirit of a supportive and compassionate community. For myself, I am

> utterly grateful for the Internet as I would never have learned how to help

> my son without it. If I have to put up with plants or instigators once in a

> while or those who can't debate without making it personal, so be it. I

> have learned a lot. I could not have made it without this group, the A-M

> group, and now the RFA group.

>

> In my opinion, we are all brothers and sisters of circumstance. If I see

> something come through that says, " Study shows vaccines have no link to

> autism, " I'm just going to hit delete and move on. I'm not buying ANY study

> unless i know WHO paid for it, who oversaw it, what their connection is to

> government -including the CDC and the FDA, and I want to know if any

> involved in the study ever had any tie to these agencies or to a

> pharmaceutical company. Without knowing these things, I could never give

> any weight to a study. I'm a tough sell.

>

> I agree with you. Whoever stated that figure on the Amish have not given

> enough evidence to make the study plausible. I deleted that original

> message. We have a Mennonite community here that does not vaccinate. They

> have NO autism in that community,and they have their own school, but in our

> community at large (a small town) which pushes and threatens for vaccination

> with the " they can't come to school " blackmail, we have several children

> with autism. Interesting.

>

> If someone wants to bring attention to a study here, then they should

> explain who is paying for that study,who is conducting the research, and how

> many children were involved over what amount of time, and I want to know

> their connections. Otherwise, I pay no attention to it.

>

January 16, 2011

Thank you! We all need to keep an open mind and understand that causation can be different for each of our children. Likely, it is a combination of many triggers.... genetic predispositon, environment, vaccines, etc. Then you have took at timing and development. There are just so many factors. Thank you again for this excellent post.

Subject: Re: Re: FW: Hepatitis B Vaccination of Male Neonates and Autism DiagnosisTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Date: Sunday, January 16, 2011, 9:47 AM

Serena,I totally understand your feelings and understand people who do not want to debate, but in many instances healthy debate is a very good thing. Debate is often how we find answers, understanding, compassion, intrigue, and the fostering of critical thinking.This country was born of debate -- and as we know, it wasn't always healthy. The vast majority of literature during the Revolutionary Period is teeming with very well-worded debate, so much so, that that time period is called "The War of Words."Certainly, no one who dislikes debate should get involved in one. Now one has to read nor respond to a thread one doesn't wish to become involved in. It's like turning a television off. All you have to do is highlight and click "delete".Those who do choose to get involved in debate must have thick skins and it would also be nice if they could stick to at least the modicum of social

graces. Stick to facts, supporting details, state "in my opinion," etc... Never attack the person personally. Then that person's argument just falls apart. In the beginning, I was rather fanatical about hte gf/cf/sf diet because it had worked so well for my son, but it was through healthy debate that I realized sadly it does not work for every child.Let us concede that there are MANY triggers for autism. Some children regressed over time, some regressed immediately following vaccines. Whatever the trigger, whatever the cause, we ARE a community here. No one is going to like or agree with every thread that gets started. Choose threads wisely.But know that healthy debate is a good thing. It can help us choose our leaders, it can help us think about new ideas and new perspectives, and it can help us find common ground. No one is required to participate in one.This thread lead you

and Carolyn to find common ground. Some parents are fanatical about diet, but when they have found something that worked for their children, they want and wish so badly that it can work for every child! Oh if only that could be true! So please don't be too hard on them. We are all fanatical about helping our children!In any debate, an opposing side may introduce a lurker who is a plant to instigates dissension within a group. This has happened throughout time perpetually. If you cause dissent within a group, you weaken the group as a whole. Many here have learned to recognize a lurker and one can get involved in discourse with them or ignore them. It's an individual choice.I love healthy debate. I believe it can help us think about and find ideas and answers we hadn't thought about before, but yes, I hate it if the debaters begin to attack once another. I am so secure in the belief as

to what triggered my child's autism, that no one is ever going to be able to change my mind. Likewise, I would never assume that is absolutely what caused the consideration in any other child (though I might think it a contributing factor, I would not try to force you to believe it).I have found this group to be very supportive and helpful over the years. Glean from it what will help you. Delete what you feel is not productive nor helpful."Communities," families, and any other organization is comprised of a group of individuals with varying view points. We don't have all the answers. God I wish we did. We can only speak form our own experience. I am CERTAIN that my son's fifteen month shots immediately "triggered" his autism. Why he did not wind up with autism during the shots prior to this, I cannot explain other than that I believe each individual has a toxic tipping point, which would explain why

some kids get autism while others don't, why some people get cancer while others don't.The causes may well be myriad, but one thing is certain: the numbers that exist and continue to rise are at such a level as to give us pause. I believe these children are telling us something. Something is wrong, and it is most likely a combination of factors. I believe in those factors exists components which pose a threat eventually to the human race as a whole. But this is just my belief and my opinion. You do not have to agree here.Children as a whole in this country are not healthier. Childhood cancers, diabetes, asthma, and yes, what we call "auto-immune" diseases have all risen exponentially in the last twenty-five years, and it is quite possible that if we change ALL the things mentioned in our friendly discourses: the vaccine table, the toxicity of vaccines, the food we feed our children, clean up the

air they breathe, clean up the water they drink, increase physical activity, and work toward good sanitation practices that we could stem the tide of this disorder in many children. Looking at genes is also important, but there are many families including our own that have one child and that one child is the first to have developed autism, asthma, immune issues etc... even if one looks back generations. That would indicate that in my son's case, genetics cannot be the dominant answer.If vaccines are a "trigger" for "some" children, then it is highly unethical to vaccinate ALL children and just consider those with this "genetic" or whatever predisposition to becoming autistic afterward as an "acceptable loss." That is exactly how the neurologist who diagnosed him with heavy metal poisoning referred to him: "a loss," but we were told to console ourselves with the supposed fact that vaccines help so many, and our son

was sacrificed for the greater good. Cold comfort. And who gave doctors or government the right to play GOD and think it acceptable to throw away ANY child?I appreciate your point of view, and do not demand that you accept mine as the one true view. Of course it isn't. It is just the unique reality of my son's story.I cannot explain why my son got extremely better with diet, metabolic supports, and therapy alone. What I would give if this were the case and all children could improve as he did! But these things did not "cure" him. His journey is on-going, and many questions remain. In my opinion it is the mercury that still resides in his body and brain, and I will address this because it is what I believe. If we chelate for years, and he does not get any better (which I doubt), I will at least know I tried. Better to look back and know I tried than to wonder, "What if I had...?"

But no one is telling you you HAVE TO do this or that. You gather information and build your own path.Debate allows us to discuss these things. Mercury is pervasive in many products we buy and use and of course it is in vaccines. Mercury is a key ingredient in embalming fluid, and as the bodies decompose, that mercury winds up eventually in the soil or can leech up into the air in the form of vapor. Mercury, as we all know, is in amalgam fillings. Mercury is a by product of the manufacturing of many things such as cement. It can be found in myriad electronic devices we use every day.Why a society would rely so heavily on a compound that is so utterly toxic is beyond my comprehension. But the human body's immune system has the propensity to change and adapt to its environment and anything it perceives is a threat to it as a whole, so genes --specifically their mutation may well be a large

component in this disorder as a means of the human immune system trying to adapt, evolve, cope with mercury's pervasive presence in our lives. Or the immune system is sending up red flares saying, "Stop, you idiots! Look what you are doing to humanity by using this stuff in everything!" It is up to the individual to decide what this disorder is telling us.This is a community here. We all have varying degrees of different opinions, and I hope we may continue to discuss these differences in the spirit of a supportive and compassionate community. For myself, I am utterly grateful for the Internet as I would never have learned how to help my son without it. If I have to put up with plants or instigators once in a while or those who can't debate without making it personal, so be it. I have learned a lot. I could not have made it without this group, the A-M group, and now the RFA group.In my

opinion, we are all brothers and sisters of circumstance. If I see something come through that says, "Study shows vaccines have no link to autism," I'm just going to hit delete and move on. I'm not buying ANY study unless i know WHO paid for it, who oversaw it, what their connection is to government -including the CDC and the FDA, and I want to know if any involved in the study ever had any tie to these agencies or to a pharmaceutical company. Without knowing these things, I could never give any weight to a study. I'm a tough sell.I agree with you. Whoever stated that figure on the Amish have not given enough evidence to make the study plausible. I deleted that original message. We have a Mennonite community here that does not vaccinate. They have NO autism in that community,and they have their own school, but in our community at large (a small town) which pushes and threatens for vaccination with the "they

can't come to school" blackmail, we have several children with autism. Interesting.If someone wants to bring attention to a study here, then they should explain who is paying for that study,who is conducting the research, and how many children were involved over what amount of time, and I want to know their connections. Otherwise, I pay no attention to it.

January 17, 2011

100% agree, nicely worded Haven. I also think Andy Wakefield was very well

spoken on GMA this morning while tried to throw him under the bus.