My views on Autism...Like it or hate,but open your mind,I believe there's more than one factor

[ZsMommy]

 (NOTE: This post is merely my viewpoint...Please read til the end...In no way am I stating that "THIS"(what is stated within the post-I believe there are MANY factors beyond my thoughts stated) is the reason,but I'm asking the readers to leave looking at the picture as a "whole" not just from one viewpoint. Also...In no way am I advocating for "not" immunizing your child-Shot info in this post is based on my experience,I STILL BELIEVE IN IMMUNIZATIONS!!!!!-MY EXPERIENCE is just that "MY" experience...every child is different,my thought's concern PRE-DISPOSITION via OUTSIDE INFLUENCES)

I have a 7yr old daughter with Aspergers Syndrome. Our daughter began to digress at the age of 15months following her MMR shot,up until then she surpassed every milestone.What I'm writing about today is my thoughts,my views,my beliefs,my gripes.This is NOT JUST on the heated debate on mercury poisoning via MMR sots,but an overall view of OTHER POSSIBLE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS. Apparently the topic of Autism has become a heated debate,such as views on politics and religion. Everyone grabs hold of one belief and stands by that and won't budge to hear another's view.So now it's my turn...And I'm asking you to hear me out.

Picture a chain of dominos. Someone has to set up the dominos,one by one in a row.Someone has to start the dominoes as each in line fall in a chain reaction,and finally the chain ends. Here's how my views relate to autism.

I believes as women,unbeknowst to us,we are pre-disposed to enviromental factors such as toxins in air and water even food that are so minimal that the EPA deems not harmful to the general public. I believe,the excessive use of hormones and antibiotics in the dairy industry play a part,I believe bio engineered corn and grains infused with fish DNA(these are just a few examples) may contribute to ALL LENDING A HAND in setting up the dominos.So,as women,we breathe,we eat we drink and SOME of us are more succeptible than others at retaining heavy metal bi products  from all of  this (here begins the chain). So now those of us that MAY (see,I said may as this is all simply MY speculation and theory) unknowingly retain these heavy metals at higher levels unsuspectingly pass en-vitro to our children. Now,upon birth such an infant would already have a dangerously high level of mercury and heavy metal toxins. Along comes the pediatricians who pump our babies up with vaccines to help boost their immune system. In a child not pre-disposed to higher toxic levels of heavy metal the vaccines would not affect the child,BUT in a child,with the dominos of heavy metal poisoning already lined up-BOOM-theres the straw that just broke the camels back.The ending of the domino chain...Autism

Now...hear me out. I believe there are SEVERAL forms of one becoming autistic,not just the shot.In my own personal case,YES,I believe the MMR shot WAS the overload factor,BUT....

I believe in genetic pre-diposition...meaning some families have a case history of autism and are more likely to be affected.

I believe in autism through trauma...There are cases of children being "fine" until an tramatic accident occurs...Therefore I believe that injury and or trauma may trigger factors in the brain to show symptoms of autism and therefore "becoming" autistic.

What I would like to see is testing for heavy metal toxicity of pregnat woman and tersting upon infants-this MAY determine if a child is pre-disposed to being affected by the MMR shot. THIS IS NOT a cure all viewpoint,but merely a step in prevention of future cases. This WOULD NOT apply to genetic pre-disposition and autism through trauma,but it MAY be one preventitve factor worth looking into.

Read this post as you may,like it or hate it,but please take away from it to be a bit more opened minded.Thank you for your time.

[tiny_mama]

Sep. 25, 2007 at 1:59 AM

I think that you are right, there's not one end all cure all reason for autism. I think it could be any number of things. And every case is different. I also think it's sad that it's become one of those "hot button" issues. But it figures, these are our children, how can we not be defensive? In my opinion I don't think they'll ever find the "one true cause of autism" I don't think it exists. Like you I think that genetics plays a part, environment, trauma, and a whole list of other factors. A spectrum cause for a spectrum disorder. Thank you for your point of view though, it was an interesting read.

~Jackie 

[psumom5]

Sep. 25, 2007 at 6:30 AM Wow...that was amazing. What a post. It was so well thought out and  provoking.  I liked it. I agree with you. I think  things happen like  "dominos". There are never easy answers and not one answer is ever going to change what the reality is. But, it is nice and reassuring to have an understanding of what Auistm is so we can help our children and make their lives easier. We ALL love our chidlren or we wouldn't be there. I'm just blown away by what you said. Thank you!!  

[nes74]

Sep. 25, 2007 at 7:41 AM Thanks. I really appreiciated this post. Your right about alot!

[PresidentCross]

Sep. 25, 2007 at 10:21 AM

I think your post was very well written and very interesting.  And I agree with what you're saying. 

I have thought for a long time that there is no one cause of autism, because contributing factors seem to vary from each individual on the spectrum.  It's like each life that is affected has its own personal combination that ends up to be autism somewhere on the huge spectrum.  :-} 

[autismom]

Sep. 25, 2007 at 12:22 PM

Very interesting theory. I agree with the fact that ppl need to have an opened mind, ppl within the ASD community as well as, and even more importantly than, ppl outside the ASD community. I see what you are saying and agree w the fact that ASD has a number of causes and your theory can very well be one of them.

But now, how would it apply to someone like myself who has a younger child, not on the spectrum. If the mom is carring heavy metals, why would it affect one child and not the other? Assuming of course that there doesn't appear to be a genetic disposition in the family?

[123kat]

Sep. 25, 2007 at 1:44 PM I like your viewpoint.  I, too, believe there is a myriad of causes, just as there is a myriad of symptoms and functionality in each autistic person.

[LizMonahan]

Sep. 25, 2007 at 1:50 PM I admire you for your post.  My daughter, Olivia, at 18 mo., had a febrile seizure (I had one when I was only 4).  This was after the fact of the MMR shot.  I thought in that moment, her precious life could be ending, even though she was still breathing.  I swear, that was the longest point in my life, waiting on the ambulance.  I couldn't get a hold of my mom, my sister, but thankfully, my husband was home.  If you have watched The View today, Jenny McCarthy, is trying to tell us, as mom's, we need to advocate for these little angels.  When the doctor says, give all 3 shots, give 2 shots, at once, we need to say, "NO", pick-up the baby, walk out.  I am waiting longer in between her shots now, and taking extra precaution.  Until the research is out, we need to speak-up to the doctor!  I am thankful everyday that Olivia is alive, no matter how mad, upset, or frustrated I am in the moment, I just think back to that horrific day, and how beautiful she is.  She does not have autism, or have any signs.  Just take a moment,

[AmberShae]

Sep. 25, 2007 at 2:49 PM Well I completely agree with you....and that is an amazing thought....

[lmintz]

Sep. 25, 2007 at 7:47 PM

very well said...... you are so right, i wonder why people are'nt better informed about these possibilities.

it really makes health decisions very difficult when you have to trustpeople who are supposed to help you. but i guess when the almighty dollar comes into play.

[olijackie]

Sep. 25, 2007 at 8:02 PM

I agree with you. But does anyone know if the rise of children with autism is also happening in other countries? or is it just in the US?

Jackie