Vaccines and Autism

It is a huge debate on whether or not Vaccines cause Autism, and the answer is simple, we really

don’t know yet. It is possible, and maybe not, but then again until there is substantial research completed, here is what is known so far.

“In the 1970s one in 10,000 children was diagnosed, whereas now it affects one in 150,” states the Know Vaccines website. In the 1940s and 1950s autism was a problem for the upper and upper-middle socioeconomic classes, basically only those who could afford healthcare and vaccines. (Know, n.d.) In the 1970s the government started developing programs that would make vaccines obtainable to everyone and autism was no longer restricted to the wealthy. (Know, n.d.) Know goes onto discuss how vaccines contain mercury at an amount that is over the limit for an adult according to EPA standards. Another factor that supports the theory that Autism is caused by vaccines is to compare Autism to the affects of mercury poisoning. (Know, n.d.) Both Autistic patients and mercury poisoning victims exhibit the exact same symptoms. (Know, n.d.)

The problem with the claims that Autism is caused by the mercury in vaccines is the simple fact that mercury has been removed from all vaccines in 2001 and still there is an increase in the number of Autism rates. (Wallis, 2008) In the recent case of Hannah Poling, a nine year old little girl diagnosed with Autism after receiving five vaccines at once, the CDC is claiming that her rare mitochondrial disorder was the cause of her Autism. (Wallis, 2008)

In my opinion I don’t think that there is enough evidence to support either the theory that vaccines cause Autism or whether they do not. We need more research. As for me being a mom though I can’t help but worry about my child’s well-being. I do get her vaccinated, but I do not stick to the recommended regimen that her pediatrician prescribes. Instead I only allow one to two vaccines at a time, just in case. For parents who wish in some states it is legal to opt out of getting their child vaccinated.

References

Know the Autism Vaccine Connection. (n.d.)

Retrieved August 16, 2008 from Know Vaccines website:

http://www.know-vaccines.org/autism.html

Wallis, C. Case Study: Autism and Vaccines. (March 10, 2008)

Retrieved August 16, 2008 from Time website:

http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1721109,00.html

Triclosan

According to the 1.Wikipedia, Triclosan is used in toys, deoderants, household cleaning products, toothpastes, and quite a few other products, over 140 according to the 2.Environmental Working Goup, as an antibacterial. The Environmental Working Group went on to say that, after it is ingested, the chemical ends up in a mother's breast milk and could potentially harm an infant or a fetus.

The EWG isn't quite sure just what effects the chemical has on the body because the Environmental Protection Agency failed to test it before giving the go-ahead to the FDA to allow manufacturers to use it. (2)

Wikipedia stated that triclosan can combine with chlorine in tap water to form chloroform gas.

Well now that we have uncovered the truth about just one more chemical that the FDA let slide, lets review some common sense.
1. Read labels
2. Don't buy products containing Triclosan
3. Join the mailing list of the EWG to keep you informed of all the horrors that you may be subjecting your children to.

Effective Statements

Using I Statements instead of You Statements and owning your feelings can increase understanding and decrease arguments when communicating feelings.

For example:
You Statement: You make me mad.
I Statement: I feel upset when you don't remember to take out the trash.
You Statement: You are so selfish.
I Statement: I feel like my opinions don’t matter to you, when you don’t ask what I think.
You Statement: You never help me around the house.
I Statement:I feel like all the housework resides on my shoulders and I was hoping that you might agree to clean the dishes after dinner when I cook.

Just by taking the time to reword what you are saying can make the other person more responcive and less hostile improving your communication.

Utilizing Metacommunication to Diffuse an Argument

Metacommunication literally means communication about communication. For example: If you were to ask someone, "What did you mean by that comment?" That question would be communication about communication.
Some arguments start out as simple disagreements and then turn into a competition to see who has the last word. In such cases nothing is accomplished by the argument. To get to a place where there can be a compromise or an understanding simply stop and ask yourself and your partner, "Why are we arguing?" Once you re-establish the problem take a deep breath. Continue asking your partner questions like, "How does/did that make you feel, what were you thinking when I said/did this," and so on. Eventually you and your partner will reach an understanding of where the other is coming from and then you can make a compromise.

Deenky Deenky

I have a 15 month old little girl and she is just learning how to talk. Well every time she fills her diaper I call her, "Stinky." Today I was reading a textbook when she came up to me, crawled up on my lap and said, "Deenky, Deenky." I knew instantly what she was trying to say from the smell and she continued saying it until after she was changed.