Vaccinations, Autism, and Fairy Tales

Normally, this blog will be dedicated to Little Bug specifically- his daily activities, how he's growing, and just the funny things he does. However, I feel the need to just get some basic facts about ASD out there and some personal thoughts. Lets start with the facts:

1 in 150 births
1 to 1.5 million Americans
Fastest-growing developmental disability
10 - 17% annual growth
$90 billion annual cost
90% of costs are in adult services
Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention
In 10 years, the annual cost will be $200-400 billion
http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_whatis_factsstats

Now, anyone who has read the news recently knows that some people believe that ASD is caused by vaccinations. Please, before believing someone because you saw their movie, they were on Oprah, or because you are scared of ASD, do you research. While I believe that our vaccinations are safe, if you are nervous, try an adjusted schedule for vaccinations- many parents have done this with success.

Let me tell you a little more about Little Bug. He is a giant- 3 feet tall and 30 pounds at 2. He has this look about him that makes you want to know what he is thinking, because you can tell he is thinking. He has amazing problem solving skills- when he wanted a cookie, he gave the dog his toy. He did this so that I would be distracted by the dog and he could get the cookie. He flaps for joy- it has to be one of the cutest things I have seen. He calls everything FISH. One last thing about him- HE WAS NOT LOST. Nothing has changed about him because he has the title of ASD. I will give you that there are days when he is so distant, it makes my heart ache. There are days when we both cry as we are both frustrated with his communication delay. He is an amazing person and is truly my world.

Personally, I would prefer to have Little Bug *alive* and have ASD- if you truly believe vaccinations cause ASD- than have him die from a disease that is preventable. For those interested, here are some links:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/09/opinion/09tue3.html
http://www.livescience.com/health/080905-bad-autism.html

I will be honest- these are articles that support my view. If you want information regarding how vaccines cause ASD, you will have to find that yourself. I will not provide fodder for ignorance.

Please, go out and do your own research. Open a book, read up to date ASD studies, discuss your concerns with trusted physicians and ASD specialists. Please don't read just one book and assume that you know everything. ASD is hardly completely understood and we will continue to learn more about it everyday- join in on that.