Autism and Vaccines

By: | News Channel 7
Published: June 05, 2008

A move that has shocked the medical world, federal health officials have rules childhood vaccines contributed to the symptoms of a young Georgia girls autism.
The idea that vaccines contribute to the effects of autism is a hotly debated issue among health professionals and parents alike.

Since he was diagnosed at 5 years old, Andrew Kastner's mother Susan has wondered what may have caused her son's autism.

"While we can see behavioral traits from other extended family members I have no explanation for the language issue the lack of communicative language and ability to form language."

Susan says she's always thought his childhood vaccines could be a factor.

"He spent 19 days in the NICU when he was born and had several shots then and we were all sure this is what you do."

The government has studied children like Andrew to see whether vaccines may have played a role in their autism. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention there is no evidence that vaccines can trigger autism. However, Susan says instead of looking at the types of vaccines, maybe they should look at the number.

Kastner says, "I understand the need for public health but I do think there should be some research done the amount of vaccines the children are given and the timing of them and do we need to revise that."

She hopes that is what this latest case will bring to light, more research, more understanding and more help for people like Andrew.
In the case in Georgia, health officials did say the young girl had a rare metabolic condition that was made worse by the vaccine.
According to the South Carolina Autism Society one out of one hundred and fifty children in South Carolina suffer from autism and there is a group here that is fighting to get local research and help for families.
If you would like to help in the efforts or get more information you can do that April 12th at the strides for autism event in Greenville. It is from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Registration and other information, along with information about autism and SCAS, is available at www.stridesforautism.org.