Autism Speaks issues a statement about vaccines...

[SidDithers]

http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/policy-statements/information-about-vaccines-and-autism

Over the last two decades, extensive research has asked whether there is any link between childhood vaccinations and autism. The results of this research are clear: Vaccines do not cause autism. We urge that all children be fully vaccinated.

Rob Ring
Chief Science Officer, Autism Speaks

Sid

[NuclearDem]

1. Good on them.

[SunSeeker]

2. K & R

[Left coast liberal]

3. OK, 'nuf said?

[Rozlee]

6. Nope.

Anti-vaxxers aren't a group of misinformed individuals. They're a cult. No matter how much science and logic you throw at them, they won't budge from their beliefs. They need thorough deprogramming before they'll be swayed from their positions.

[Blanks]

10. That's right.

There will be posts on Facebook about how they were 'bought off' and 'in on the conspiracy'.

When you've so fully accepted the agenda, a small event like this has no impact on your beliefs.

[hunter]

4. Well, that's going to turn some people off.

According to some people "Autism Speaks" is a group for parents who want to "fix" their autistic kids as if they are misfit toys (sometimes using harsh methods), a weapon to use in family court, a group that does not actually speak for the autistic community, etc., etc....

Nevertheless, I wholeheartedly agree that vaccines do not cause autism. My own kids were always up-to-date on their vaccines.

In my family tree autism seems to have a strongly hereditary component, with symptoms mild to severe, with beneficial aspects for some, to complete disability in ordinary society for others.

I'm also suspicious of environmental toxins, things like pesticides, and pollution along highways, adversely affecting those who are susceptible.

[murielm99]

8. I don't know anything about this group.

However, I am glad they spoke up.

I saw a mother on one of our local news stations. One of her boys is autistic. She spoke in favor of vaccines. She added, in the nicest possible way, not at all defensive, that her son was exactly the way he should be. Vaccines did not cause his autism. I liked her attitude.

[Orrex]

5. What does he know? He's no Playmate of the Year.

[dbackjon]

7. True. If he would do a centerfold spread, I might trust his words more.

[hunter]

9. Alas, until my very-hot-young-man-wearing-only-a-hat-naked pics are revealed...

... I cannot be an "authority."

I'm certain these pictures are still out there in the dustiest closets of usenet, some of them in glorious sixteen color (four bit) EGA, but I'll not go looking for them.

I have more recent photos of my naked, now half-century-plus old self (my wife took them and the nice women at the Costco photo counter saw them too and didn't laugh out loud when I came to pick them up), but there's no big "Playmate" market for those.

And no, no, no, I don't want to hear from anyone who might be interested.

[colsohlibgal]

11. That's Awesome

Stuff happens but rarely. The first signs of autism and the vaccination schedule are about at the same time, so mostly I think it's rare that there is no causality.

I think collective memory lapsing is a big factor in all this. Almost all parents of young children were not around when the fear of these diseases was palpable. Back in the mid 20th century when the polio vaccines started coming out parents were overjoyed and couldn't get it for their kids fast enough.

I didn't think twice, I vaccinated my two children with any vaccines available.