Mothers are hit with conflicting views on autism and vaccines. The morning news will feature a pediatrician denying any link between the two. Then on another channel, a mother is interviewed claiming that immunizations changed her child's life forever. Conflicted about what to do, some parents are opting not to vaccinate their children while others choose an alternative schedule and some stick with the schedule suggested by the AAP. Parents should talk with their pediatricians about their concerns so they can make the best decision for their child.
To see some talking points for a conversation with your doctor, read more.
Being open and honest with the doctor can be informative and beneficial for all involved. Here are some questions to get the ball rolling:
- Do you think there is any link between vaccines and autism?
- If "no" is the response, ask why they don't think there is a link.
- If my child has a bad reaction after receiving a shot, what can we do?
- Is thermisol present in any of the shots?
- Why do you think there is such a high incidence of autism in boys versus girls?
- What kind of alternative or modified shot schedule do you offer?
- Will it cost more to administer the shots in a modified manner?
- How do you or would you vaccinate your own children?
- What do you think the possible causes of autism are if it isn't vaccines?
While pediatricians may not be able to answer all of these questions, it's a good way to get the dialogue started and to explain your apprehension and insecurities.
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Paul & Joe
Stila
Darphin
That's a great list of questions. When my pediatrician couldn't tackle the last one with a definitive answer it was only then that she more openly accepted my request to do a modified schedule. I'm not forgoing the shots, I just don't feel like I should be sticking him with five at a time. I'm not sure why anyone would want to argue against that.
1It may help new parents to explain that they understand the current thinking is that Autism is not CAUSED by vaccines, but that an autistic child (or child predisposed to autism) is unable to process the heavy metals and toxins in the environment (including in vaccines). I've found doctors to be much more open once they realize you arent looking for someone to blame IF some thing goes wrong.
2Here is a great clip from newsweek explaining all this immunization hype.
http://www.newsweek.com/id/185853
3Don't these questions assume that you already have your mind made up about a link between autism and vaccines? When you doctor tells you that he or she doesn't believe in a connection at all, that he or she vaccinates their own children according to the AAP schedule, is it going to change your mind if this is the mindset that you are walking in with?
4babysugar — I think this list is helpful especially for first time parents. When my daughter was born five years ago, I did a ton of research to figure out what to ask my pediatrician and this would have made life easier.
5Here we go again... sigh. How about if you read Autism's False Prophets, that explains the pseudoscience. I'm so sick of this.
6Autism's False Prophets solves the puzzle of Autism? Doubtful. I'm fairly sure my son isn't going to die because I chose to wait a few weeks or a month between shots instead of doing it all at once. And for the record I'm more worried about the people that want me to give my son 5 shots at a time. That seems like a far creepier agenda.
7You could also read the vaccine book, which gives a nice overview of every vaccine, it's ingredients, and how to approach your pediatrician with your concerns about certain ones.
8Ugh, I liked! So clear and positively.
9Thanks
I work for The Medicine Shoppe and research during the past 10 years has taken a long hard look at vaccines and found conclusive evidence that vaccine exposure is NOT the turn-on switch for autism. The CDC's most recent study on the topic shows no significant effect. Best recommendation is to listen to your doctor or pharmacist when it comes to vaccines.
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