In 1998, The Lancet (a British medical journal) published
research articles on autism linking autism with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations. The study caused many families to not vaccinate their children. This week, The Lancet retracted that controversial paper due to improper research practices. There have been many studies since 1998 that have shown no link between vaccinations and autism but it may take a while to convince the public that vaccines are safe. When families are desperately looking for answers and
help with autism, it’s easy to get confused by seemingly conflicting data.
Many experts worry about the decline in childhood vaccinations. Larry Pickering, a pediatrician and immunization expert at Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, said the 1998 study and other
research articles on autism had prompted some parents to forgo vaccinating their children. He stated that in the first eight months of 2008, 91% of the 131 children diagnosed with measles in the U.S. had not been vaccinated against the disease or had uncertain vaccination status. Measles, a virus that is easily transmittable, could become a problem if it hits a cluster of these vulnerable children.
Dr. Paul Offit, chief of infectious diseases at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, says the connection between vaccines and autism is nothing more than a sad coincidence. "About 20 percent of children with autism will regress between their first and second birthday," says Offit. "So statistically, it will have to happen where some children will get a vaccine. They will have been fine. They will get the vaccine, and they will not be fine anymore. And I think parents can reasonably ask the question, 'Is it the vaccine that did this?'"
The Institute of Medicine pointed to five large studies finding no link between autism and the preservative thimerosal, which contains mercury, and 14 large studies finding no link between the MMR vaccine and autism. One study published in the journal Public Library of Science One in September of 2008 showed there was no evidence that MMR vaccinations preceded autism problems. Childhood vaccines no longer contain thimerosal, though it remains in some flu shots. The studies compared autism rates among populations of children who did and did not receive the MMR vaccines, and among those who did and did not receive vaccines containing thimerosal.
The Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities defines Autism as, "a condition characterized by severe disorders in communication and behavior resulting in limited ability to communicate, understand, learn and participate in social relationships." A diagnosis of autism or autism spectrum disorder can be devastating, but with appropriate
help for autism including services and supports, training, and information; your child can grow, learn and even thrive.
An autistic child can be an incredible challenge for a family and getting
help for autism is not always a simple task. According to the Centers for Disease Control, an average of 1 in every 110 children in the United States had some form of autism in 2006, up 57 percent from 2002. Although we still don’t know exactly what causes the disorder, or why it seems to be on the rise, we do know that there are many ways to
help with autism.
First and foremost it’s important to understand that autism is treatable. While early intervention is always recommended, even an older child with autism can improve. There are many different treatment options but Occupational Therapy for autism is a broad term used to describe an array of therapeutic modalities.
The American Occupational Therapy Association defines Occupational Therapy as "skilled treatment that helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives. Occupational therapy assists people in developing the 'skills for the job of living' necessary for independent and satisfying lives." Occupational therapists are experts in the social, emotional and psychological effects of illness and injury and can help those with autism develop skills for independent living. For example, an Occupational Therapist might engage your child in activities that:
• Help your child better manage his or her body in space
• Instruct and help your child relate, connect and communicate
• Help in transitioning from one thing, setting or person to another
• Develop play and coping skills
• Help with sensory integration
• Build daily living skills such as buttoning a shirt or tying a shoelace
• And much more…
As a parent of an autistic child, information and knowledge will be your best ally in getting help for autism. Researching your options for
Occupational Therapy for autism is one way you can help your child reach his or her full potential.
"I can assure you there is no more powerful advocate for children than a parent armed with information and options."
- Dr. Rod Paige, U.S. Secretary of Education (2001-2005)