immunizations, "childhood diseases" and autism

[mickeym]

There's a thing on the Today Show about a measles outbreak in San Diego County. Nine of the twelve children affected didn't have their immunizations. Six of those were because their parents objected to/decided against immunizing their children.

I know there's a lot of conflicting information out there about a (possible) link between childhood immunizations and autistic spectrum disorders. I don't know what to believe, because I've read credible arguments on both sides.

I do know this: autistic disorders aren't life-threatening. So far as I know, no one's ever died from autism. Measles, mumps, rubella, etc. CAN be, have been fatal. Even in this day and age.

Matthew has all his vaccinations. We've gotten them on schedule since he was born--and because of when he was born, we were among the first to get the chicken pox vaccination. Matthew also has (for those of you new to my journal, who might not know) Aspergers Syndrome, which is an autistic spectrum disorder.

If I had known when he was 4mos, 12mos, 18mos, whatever and getting his shots, what I know now? If I had a way of knowing all the different ways Aspergers would complicate (and enrich) and change our lives? If I'd been made aware that there was a possibility of a link between those vaccinations and ASDs? I would still make sure he had those vaccinations.

Things haven't been easy for Matthew -- and by extension, me. His AS affects all aspects of his life, in many varied ways. But knowing he's not going to die because of some (nearly) extinct infection that CAN BE PREVENTED is worth it. And he agrees: I've asked him, we've talked about it.

YMMV, I understand that. But I say the things above as a parent who is raising a child with an ASD. It's never been easy and sometimes I've wanted to pull my hair out in frustration. But at least I have my child, whole and healthy and happy. So please, *please* immunize your child. It's that important.

Comments

[cereta.livejournal.com]

Oh, no, not with you at all! I...okay, and keep in mind, I said "conflicted," okay? I try very hard to be understanding of parents who are, after all, just trying to do what's best for their children. But there's a part of me that resents that they're at best taking advantage of the herd immunity maintained in part by my child taking that risk, and at worst compromising that herd immunity in ways that could end up hurting even those who are vaccinated. So...conflicted.