Vaccines and Autism

[Diane Amberg]

There has been much concern about a possible link between childhood vaccinations and the development of autism in young children. I have two friends who have autistic kids (3) and have read everything I could get my hands on. Our local paper today had an article by Dr. Ryan Collar, incoming chief pediatric resident at the U.of Calif. Los Angeles' School of Medicine.
       In Britain, where the study was done, there were only 12 patients in the study and 13 authors writing about it. The lead author is facing disciplinary proceedings from  Britain's General Medical Council for professional misconduct during the study.   One allegation is that he received funding from lawyers representing a group that felt their children were harmed by the MMR ( measles,mumps,rubella) vaccine.  Attempts to repeat his findings have failed. Dr. Collar then said,"vaccines like every medicine can have real side effects." "Autism, however is not one of them." ''Although I believe people who decline vaccines are doing what they believe is best for their children, their fears about vaccines and autism are not only unsubstantiated but have been fully refuted." "There is no rational reason to put children in harm's way by declining vaccinations"

Another opinion to consider.

[larryJ]

Interestingly enough, Diane, I was at a health foods store today for lunch and shopping.  I picked up a paper (article) written by a woman who is a Doctor of Nurtritional Foods.  In it she states that there is evidence that going on a gluten free diet seems to help those who have autism.  I don't know if she has any scientific studys to back this up, but I will google her and see.  At any rate, going to a gluten free diet is not harmful and could help.  Like she says, "can't hurt".  Going to a gluten free diet can be taxing in the beginning whille learning to read labels and understanding all the definitions, but it might be worth itl

Larryj

[larryJ]

Okay, second note.  I googled and found that this Dr. Shari Lieberman who is mentioned in the article I read basically wants to sell you her books.  But I did find other sites by searching for Gluten Free diets and autism.  There are some really interesting sites on that subject.

Larryj

[Diane Amberg]

I'll check out the Gluten free site.