Autism/Special Needs, Daily Life, My Little Guy, Resources, Therapies 
5 Comments Autism Resources: Vaccinations
Okay, I’m really not trying to stir up a major controversy – this topic is just on my mind because we are going to the pediatrician’s office tomorrow for a checkup. There are 3 individual vaccines that we need to check titers for to see if the Little Guy needs any boosters before entering kindergarten this fall, but I know there are at least 7 vaccines (in 3 shots) that the doctor is going to want him to get.
Although I have been asked several times if I feel that vaccines caused my son’s autism, the more common question I get is from other parents asking me what I think about vaccinating their children. As with all important issues, my advice is that they may wish to hold off until they can research the topic for themselves and make an informed decision. I do usually mention, however, that it is not all or nothing – you can look at each vaccination independently and also consider spacing out the ones you do decide to give.
With that said, here are a few resources that go into detail about each disease and the vaccine that is intended to prevent it:
What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children’s Vaccinations by Dr. Stephanie Cave with Deborah Mitchell (note: an updated version is due out in the fall)
The Parents’ Concise Guide to Childhood Vaccinations: From Newborns to Teens, Practical Medical and Natural Ways to Protect Your Child by Dr. Lauren Feder
The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child by Dr. Robert W. Sears
Edited to add: Dr. Sears also has a website at AskDrSears.com, where you can get information on a wide range of childrearing topics. (Thanks, The Gang’s All Here, for sharing this info.)
And I will just mention one book for those who are interested in the controversy surrounding the issue of vaccines and autism:
Evidence of Harm: Mercury in Vaccines and the Autism Epidemic: A Medical Controversy by David Kirby
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Tags: biomedical intervention, resources, vaccinations
This is such a hot topic for so many people. Interestingly, since we’ve moved to SE PA, there’s been NO debate in the circles of which I’m a part . . . It may be that my kids are past that age for the most part and I’m just not in the loop with the other moms on this. We will have to discuss it when we travel to China and bring our daughter home – adds the international element of the debate . . .
Noticed also that you listed Dr. Sears as a resource – did you know that they have a website? I just found it the other day when I was doing research on sleep issues for adopted babies. AskDrSears.com I think.
We have not completely vaccinated Bubba because of this exact reason. We are prayerfully and informationally considering what to do for him in the future.
I haven’t been able to comment lately because of the craziness at our house but your posts have been really good. I have been enjoying them and all the thought provoking things you have been posting. Good Stuff.
This topic is still big in England with any parent deciding not to follow the government advice and deciding to either have separate vaccines or none at all being put under extreme pressure by their Doctors. Mainly because the UK government link their pay to targets which include how many children are vaccinated.
@TGAH: thanks for the website, I will add it to the list.
@Classic: I hope some of these resources will be helpful for you as you move forward.
@Livin’: Thank you so much – I really appreciate that!
@Inspiration Alley: Interesting that the rates of autism are so high in the US and the UK, then, isn’t it?