Thursday, April 21, 2011
It is probably no coincidence that forums for ADHD, like this one, usually have some parents who come to the site who have a child with autism. Likewise there are many newsgroups and forums for autism where some members have a child diagnosed with ADHD. Why is this so? Because there is a great overla...
ADHD is merely a less vaccine damaged child. Autism is a more damaged child.
Hello
Well to be honest I was hoping for members to describe their experiences with the diagnosis of their child but since you are here...
I appreciate your perspective. I think that there are many parents who still believe that vaccines have somehow harmed their child. But once again...let's take a look at not only another perspective but facts. There is no credible scientific evidence to back up the claim that the vaccines are causing autism, ADHD, or anything else. In fact there is insurmountable evidence to the contrary. This entire conspiracy theory began with one extremely fraudulent "study" with Dr. Wakefield as the author. Despite the fact that Dr. Wakefield's research has been totally debunked as deliberate fraud, this debate still rages on because some people want to keep it alive. The question I have is "why?"
For those who want to read the facts please refer to these ADHD Central articles:
My Personal Reflections on the Discredited Link Between Vaccines and Autism
Medical Journal Retracts Study Linking Autism to Vaccine
Lead Researcher for Study Linking Autism with Vaccines Accused of Falsifying Data
From second grade on, my late first wife knew something wasn't 'right'. I just thought our first son was just independent/obstinant/ not a teacher-pleaser. We put him through a new round of testing every other year, with the only 'result' being finding out he had a high IQ and class performance that didn't match with that. Going into junior year of high school, Janice wanted him to see a pediatric neurologist - I went along with this just to shut her up. I was WRONG. After looking at 4-6 other batches of tests, the doctor had our son take an EEG, and precribed Ritalin. 6 weeks of so later, after our son's dosing was correct, he thanked Janice for never giving up. He stayed on Ritalin for about 3 years, graduated from college (and off my payroll) in 4 years, and did his MA part-time while employed fulltime. He's the assistant dean of students at a mid-sized university.
The response is always the same, the overused Wakefield issue. Anyone who's truly read and researched as I have can't accept that incident as proof of anything. Its been exaggerated, twisted and misrepresented until its unrecognizable. Comments that it's irrefutable proof of no connection is haphazard at best. There truly are many who's shallow opinion exposes their lack of courage and knowledge. The basic tenet that "we don't know what causes autism, but its not vaccines" have never provided evidence to show how they don't. Its a" take our word for it" claim without proof. Until they do, vaccines are still the number one suspect. The majority of readers will accept your explanation, because they are easily manipulated. I'm not one of those. I'll wait for you to post irrefutable proof how vaccines can't be involved.
Hello Tribalelder
This is a wonderful story to hear...I am sure you must be so proud. It would be such an honor if you would write your story out in a sharepost. I think a lot of our members and parents would greatly benefit from the hope and inspiration it gives. I am glad you and your wife did not give up.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Hi Ross Coe
Thanks for speaking your mind. This is actually the first vaccine debate we have had on our site. I find it interesting that it came on the heels of a post which has absolutely nothing to do with vaccines.
In general I stay away from the whole vaccine controversy because you are right...everyone says the same things and nobody really listens. I hate the whole debate because it takes away time from exploring how to help our kids now. Forums which were once helpful and supportive feel like a battle zone. Who needs that?
If you have a message and you want to be heard, there are ways to do it which will make people more apt to listen and not think that you are just trying to disrupt a community.
If you have research to share by all means share it. If you have a personal experience...share it. If you want to disagree with someone's opinion...that's fine. Yet you did none of these things and you bring up this topic on a post which has nothing to do with vaccines. Which makes me wonder...do you just want a punching bag or more ammunition for your anger?
I am not your enemy. I am a mother. I am a writer. I am not emotionally invested in the vaccine controversy. But some people are and I respect that. I have friends who believe that the vaccines somehow harmed their child. I am not about to negate their experience.
But I can write about the facts as we know them.
Going around telling strangers on websites that they have "shallow opinions" or "lack courage or knowledge" or telling readers that they are "easily manipulated"...not really the way to win friends and influence people. Just saying. Instead of personal attacks...perhaps some facts...some research...even your personal story would be better.
As for this statement:
"I'll wait for you to post irrefutable proof how vaccines can't be involved"
I am not on trial here. You brought up the topic. It is not my intention or my job to sway you to believe anything. I personally do not believe that vaccines cause autism or ADHD. This is my belief based upon the scientific knowledge we have right now.
There are many studies which conclude that there is no association between the vaccines and autism. There are so many that it would be impossible to list them all. Here are a couple to review:
Prenatal and infant exposure to thimerosal from vaccines and immunoglobulins and risk of autism. This study was published in the October issue of Pediatrics.
The researchers concluded: "In our study of MCO members, prenatal and early-life exposure to ethylmercury from thimerosal-containing vaccines and immunoglobulin preparations was not related to increased risk of ASDs."
In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2002, researchers took a look at hundreds of thousands of children to investigate any possible link between the vaccines and autism. Their results? "There was no association between the age at the time of vaccination, the time since vaccination, or the date of vaccination and the development of autistic disorder."
Clearly this is an emotional issue for many people. I think sometimes emotions cloud over the scientific evidence and quite frankly...people are going to believe what they want to believe. I have no control over that nor do I want to.
But it is important that people get the facts so that they can make informed decisions. Calling people names or attacking them...is not really going to get people to listen. But it does attract attention.
I hope you find the truth you are looking for. In the meantime if you need support or you want to tell your story...we are here for you.
I won't post again. What you cite as scientific proof isn't. That Danish study was exposed as flawed, but thats more the issue than anything. Flawed science thats believed and passed of as proof. You don't get it. No need to respond.