On Sunday, one of the couples in church announced that their son has been diagnosed with autism. The church immediately gathered around them to support and affirm them and to pray for them.
Facts on autism:
– One of five disorders classified under Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD)
– Typically appears during the first three years of life
– Growing at a rate of 10-17 percent per year
– First diagnosed in 1943
– Is a brain disorder
– Lack of eye contact is not a determination of autism
– Lack of affection is not a determination of autism
– Characteristics involve abnormal sensory, communication and social skills
– There is a wide range of severity level
Causes of autism:
– It is currently not known what causes autism
– It is likely that it has biological causes rather than psychological or hereditary
For me, the link between autism and immunizations is highly probable. MMR shots are typically given after 18 months. And it used to include thimerosal (mercury) and started to be administered in the mid 1980s. Here is a chart of incident rates of autism comparing onset at birth and onset after 18 months since 1960. And here is a study of the similarities between mercury poisoning and autism symptoms.
Links:
Autism Resources
Google
MedLinePlus
General:
Autism Society
Autism.org
ARI
Cure Autism Now Foundation
Autism PDD
Geneva Centre
TEACCH
TheAutismHomePage
Autism Spectrum
Autism Resources for Families
Sesame Street Autism Resources for Parents
Reduce the Noise: Help Loved Ones with Sensory Overload Enjoy Shopping
CDC Autism Links and Resources
Operation Autism for Military Families
Academic Accommodation Resources
Temple Grandin’s Teaching Tips
Estate Planning for Parents of Kids with Autism
FAQ:
Autism Resources FAQ
20 Questions
Theories of causes:
Healing-Arts
Vaccinations and Autism:
Autism : Is There A Vaccine Connection?
The autism increase: research needed on the vaccine connection
Autism: A Unique Type of Mercury Poisoning
Thimerosal Class Action