Autism a Growing Concern for Many

March 28, 2008

By: Matt Capodice

Autism affects millions of children and families around the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Autism affects one in every 150 children in the US, and 1 in every 94 boys.

Autism has only recently been a diagnosable condition, established as a viable syndrome in the late 1960s. It seems the amount of children affected by autism is increasing. The causes of autism are not fully understood and are highly controversial, ranging from genetic mutations, rubella infection of the mother while in the first trimester, the Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine and possibly Thimerosal, a preservative in modern vaccines that has small amounts of mercury in it.

If the numbers of autism cases are increasing we should truly be alarmed. One study shows only 12% of children affected grow up and lead independent lives. The medical community insists there is no link between vaccinations and autism, but a good majority of parents with autistic children claim they never saw any symptoms of autism before they were vaccinated.

If the ratio of autism cases is true, this is a scourge, a syndrome with no cure that we should pay attention to and encourage scientific research on. One in every 150 children would work out to be one child in every grade in the Port Clinton City Schools, one child in every three grades in Danbury schools, and 28,667 children born with autism in the United States every year. The resources needed to care for these children properly is cause enough to be concerned, let alone the terrible effects autism can have on one’s family.

Should we discourage vaccinations? Should we eat organic food? Should we use our cell phones less? Are our infants watching too much television? Should we encourage breastfeeding over formula? Should we drink non-fluoridated water?

I don't know, but there must be a link to the rise in cases. We must find it, before a very large number of the current generation is stricken with a syndrome that causes them to be dependent and withdrawn. Let us not be withdrawn when it comes to supporting further research.

Source: Port Clinton News Herald