The Autism Society of America (2007) defines autism as a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.Autism currently affects 1 in 150 children according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2007) and is one of five disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) which include: Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD), Rett's Disorder, and PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).
Parents across the world have come forth blaming their childrens' autism on the MMR vaccination and/or thimerosal containing vaccines which contain mercury. Though it is controversial whether there is any connection, the reality is that the symptoms of autism are nearly identical to those of mercury poisoning (Bernard et al, 2000). Futher, it may well be a form of toxic injury, or multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS).
Slimak performed a study of in 49 autistic children. "Elimination of food-related reactions entirely allowed effects of environmental chemicals to be thoroughly studied indefinitely in the absence of food-related symptoms. Initially unaffected by social contexts, the autistic subjects acted out the ways they were affected by their environment without the altering effects of societal influences; and severity of the adverse effects made observation and study easier. There was a strong correlation (P<.000) between environmental exposure levels and autistic symptoms and behaviors. There appeared to be nothing inherently wrong with autistic children studied. The children in the program (universal diet and clean room) returned to normal physically, in temperament, in awareness of surroundings and others, in emotions and empathy, and in ability to learn. Based on the results of the present study, a broad spectrum of severe and chronic autistic symptoms appear to be environmentally based, apparently caused by chronic exposure to volatile organic compounds, and appear to be fully reversible in the proper environment" (Simak, 2003, Abstract). Salvador and other members of MCS America suggest that patients take the time to learn about autism and research vaccination safety. "There is too much coincidence in the increase of autism and other neurodevopment disorders since the inception of vaccinatiions. These conditions were virtually unheard of before vaccines became commonplace. This is truly an epidemic situation,” said Lourdes Salvador, President of MCS America. “Autism is now known in every race, every income level, every education level, and both genders.”
The new webpage located at:
http://mcs-america.org/index_files/VaccinesMercuryAutism.htm
References:
Autism Society of America. Retrieved on April 8, 2007 from: http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_whatis_home
Bernard, S, Enayati, A, Binstock, Roger, H, Redwood, L, & McGinnis, W. Autism: A Unique Type of Mercury Poisoning. ARC Research. 2000.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved on April 8, 2007 from: http://www.cdc.gov/
Slimak, K. 2003. Reduction of autistic traits following dietary intervention and elimination of exposure to environmental substances. In Proceedings of 2003 International Symposium on Indoor Air Quality and Health Hazards, National Institute of Environmental Health Science, USA, and Architectural Institute of Japan, January 8-11, 2003, Tokyo, Japan, 2:206-216.
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