Friday, April 4, 2008

Something disturbing

I know its a Friday and the weekend is looming, the last thing anyone wants to read is some disturbing post. I promise it won't be "that" disturbing to the extent of feeling goose bumps all over or having no appetite to eat. Just something I've been thinking about when I went to bed last night and all of this morning.

I never watch Oprah, not a 'kaki" but for some reason, after returning from my in laws last night, I turned on the tv and there she was, with a guest (an actress la) talking about autism (Oh yea, this post also won't have those excerpts, footnotes and what nots cos I've got to run out shortly). This actress recently wrote a book about her struggle with her son having autism. Her book isn't only about the cause, the diagnosis. Its also about how she believes that autism is treatable and her book attempts to give hope to other parents with similar situation, to 'save' their child. I must confess I haven't read the book though it has been out a while now (since last year, I think).

Anyway, what startled me was that many parents with an autistic child actually believed that the reason for their child acquiring it was because of the MMR injection. Therefore, linking the MMR to the disorder. Now, that, I literally sat up!!

MMR stands for Measles, Mumps and Rubella. This 3-in 1 vaccine was never available during my time when I was young. I actually suffered the break-out of Measles and Mumps when I was a kid. Thankfully, I received the Rubella jab when I was 13 while in the States cos it was compulsory for girls at the time.

The thing is, I never really questioned the jab since it seemed like a routine jabs for every newborn even though I never had it when I was young. I mean, medicine too evolve and do become better and seems like everyone I know, who has a 1 year old would have the MMR. So, including me. I happily went to the paed and Ash was administered the vaccine and that was the end. Never a doubt in my mind - until now.

One of the things this actress said last night was she believed that these vaccine shouldn't be a "one size fits all" i.e not combined. Her son was only diagnose when he was 2.5 years old when he had a fits after fits. She did say however that there were signs earlier especially after he received his dose of MMR jab. Her son had become withdrawn, would not smile, interact, would not play with his toys, always was fascinated with the wheels on his toy cars etc...typical symptoms of autism.

Although, there is no conclusive scientific study that confirming the link between the MMR and autism. But more studies and research are still being conducted to be damn sure.

I don't know la. I am just disturbed. Maybe I am reading too much or pondering too much. Or like people always say "EFNTD". Anybody shares the same concern? Or whether you have personal experience of your child having 'changed' after the MMR? Would really love to hear from you. Thanks...

10 comments:

JK said...

My children are 7, 5 and 2 1/2 years old and all three took the jab. I don't see any changes so far.

IMMomsDaughter said...

I guess since there's no concrete proof, it's hard to say that MMR is the cause. I am sure there is a reason for your worry. I believe a mother's instinct is 99% right, so why not share with us your concern here.

Anonymous said...

actually over here, ppl r very aware of the possible impact of certain vaccs, and choose not to immunize. the govt pays if u vaccinate.... imagine.

the hawaii 5-0 lady did not vaccinate her newborn with hep b. her choice....

Mommy to Chumsy said...

wonder why the hospitals still encourage parents to send their children for such jabs if they are harmful. scary i say :(

ryeli said...

interesting, i didnt know abt this at all. yea, alot of our babies have went thru this jab and i've not come across any who's autism at all. i guess the chances are really slim but still, it is kinda disturbing to know that the jab can actually cause it.

guess i will be asking this question with the paed with my next baby before the jab.

Mandy said...

I have a couple of close internet friends who have children with autism. They, too, noticed the changes right after their children were vaccinated. Just to be on the safe side, we delayed giving our son the MMR shot until he was 2 1/2.

sting said...

so I heard (not from Oprah) from some articles and then there were also articles saying that's not the cause.. seriously, I would rather my baby not have these jabs but was always "advised" by pead to get the jab "just in case".. sigh

Mom Knows Everything said...

Both of my kids have had the shot and they are fine.

Unknown said...

Both my kids have had the shot too.I don't think it's the vaccine.Maybe it's the doctor problem.I mean the doctor might gave the boy mix up the wrong vaccine you will never know.But in UK paed don't encourage the kids to have measles or mumps jab.Feel so sad to hear that little boy case.:(

moms tales said...

Jo-N : Thats great to hear! Thanks for your input dear..:-)

Imms : Gosh! So many but too late now, Ash already received the jab. But comes her chic pox, I'm gonna delay it..:-)

Mott : Wonder if its essentially a good or bad thing? You know, about parents knowing too much? O_o

Barb : Unfortunately (or fortunately) the hospitals feel that its the better of 2 evils. If no jab, exposure to deadly illness and besides, not everyone is adverse to the jabs..so, they are in difficult position too..:-(

Ryeli : Yes, you should discuss this with your paed when the time comes.

Mommy Cracked : Oh, I am truly sorry to hear about your friends' kids. I hope they have and are coping well. With plenty of information about the disorder, parents these days are not alone. But I know, its still not enough to conclusively confirm the source and such. Thanks for sharing and my warmest regards to your friends.

Sting : Guess its hard isn't it having the information and ultimately, having to make "the" decision. But I am sure you were adequately advised by your paed. I just wished I had known about it sooner :-(

Tammy : Thats great, Tammy. Your kids adjusted well with the vaccine. We just never know these days :-(

Sweetiepie : Yea, I felt sad too. They seem to have it all but yet, not completely. But they coped with it which is so positive. You could be on to something - may not have been the vaccine but with the doctor's mixed up..O_o

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