What causes autism?

[bamsmom2001]

  I just read a debate (another one) about if toxins play a role in the rise in autism. It was a very unsettling read...not because of the facts stated in the article presented, but in the responses. 

  There were moms saying it's closed minded to think it's not genetic, some were saying the opposite. Personally, I think it's extremely closed minded to not consider both. I'm not going to get into my child's story here, it's irrelevant to my little rant. My thing is, why would you not look everywhere for answers? Not even to find a cause, but to help your child. At this point, I don't care what caused my son to have autism. It's here, and it's my job as a mother to kick it's butt out of my son's life as completely as humanly possible. That is who I am now. I am my son's champion, his advocate. That's my job. Sitting around and debating the cause is a pointless waste of time and precious energy. The only thing worse than wasting time arguing is ignoring something that could possibly help because it isn't on the paved road all the others have told you to travel. I will exhaust all avenues and roads as long as they are safe to try and help my child. I will not let fear of the unknown stop me. Is is scary? Yes. It's the scariest thing I've ever done. It's terrifying to do something that's not the status quo. But I learned a long time ago that the status quo isn't good enough for me or my children.

I will continue to look for answers, and do what I feel I have to do. I don't always make the right desisions, and I don't think I'm at all perfect, but, who is? I just wish parents would stop wasting time arguing over things and just do what they can, and need to do.

Me and my perfect son...

[mcqueenmom]

Mar. 1, 2010 at 12:17 PM

[ShaktiKat]

Mar. 1, 2010 at 2:51 PM

Well said!  I feel the same way, actually. 

And what a great picture of you two!  :)

[Lb128f]

Mar. 2, 2010 at 8:40 AM

Very good....thanks for sharing!

[bugsandpirates]

Mar. 2, 2010 at 2:06 PM

I completely agree!  Although, I do think research should continue for the future to see if it is vaccinations that truly causes autism, how do we stop it.  If it is genetics, how do we tell before the child is born? 

I agree that instead of exhausting yourself on CM whether a child is genetically autistic or vaccination induced autistic, that the energy should be directed at our congressional leaders to keep funds flowing towards research on this issue. 

Your little boy is adorable!  I bet he is proud of you for being his champion!

[bamsmom2001]

Mar. 2, 2010 at 2:41 PM

thank you bugsand pirates, I think he's pretty stinkin' cute! I also agree with what you said.

(Original Poster)

[CheshireHope]

Mar. 2, 2010 at 2:59 PM

[jsbenkert]

Mar. 2, 2010 at 9:01 PM

I was thinking the same thing when I recently read a post regarding this issue. 

While I am confident that my daughter was born with the disorder, it does little good to argue the cause of it while research continues.  I also think that we will find that there are many different causes and triggers for autism.

While we wait for answers and better understanding, I agree that our focus needs to be on services and treatments to help those who are affected by ASD now.