Results tagged “autism” from iVillage - Beehive

Many children in the US were required to obtain certain immunizations to be able to go back to school this fall, but the debate over vaccines and their safety continues to rage on, even as the U.S. Institute of Medicine has issued a new report claiming they have been unable to replicate a study that linked autism with the measles vaccine and new research aims to take that claim one step further. There have been reports of an increase of measles outbreaks, yet the CDC states that vaccination levels for US toddlers are at an all time high. I'm not a doctor nor do I even play one on TV, so I will admit that these reports do leave me a little bit confused. From the looks of things on our boards, I'm not alone. Along with trying to decipher the onslaught of reports, many moms (and dads) are struggling with the decision to vaccinate their children in light of what some feel are disturbing trends (reactions to vaccinations, a sharp increase in autism diagnoses) as well as concerns over the ingredients used in most vaccines.

The latest updates have attracted some attention on the Vaccination Debate board:

"Autism is affecting people at alarming rates and they have no idea why. Very concerning to me when I have NO IDEA how to protect my baby guys from this! I would gladly take measles over autism ANY DAY!" -- momofbabyguys

"I have spent hours reading the studies they say PROVE they are safe... but the same studies only prove the vaccines ARE NOT SAFE! " -- rylandsmama

"I am not someone who is convinced either way about autism being caused by vax. I used to think this was a crazy idea, but have become more open to the idea after researching the link with vax and other neurological impairments. I am glad they are doing more studies, but I would like to see even more and on a much larger scale.

Measles is a disease I would consider vaxing my child for, but I need more convincing that it is safe and I would probably do it on an individual basis since I do not see Mumps or Rubella as serious diseases." -- tahoecindy

 

Here we go again ... you know that any time a celebrity or media personality comes out with an outrageous statement -- especially when it involves kids (Imus anyone?) -- there's going to be a firestorm of reaction. In the latest foot-in-mouth fiasco, I'm not sure the word "firestorm" even comes close to describing the disgust echoed by just about everyone within earshot. This time it's radio host Michael Savage who's in the hot seat for his recent remarks about autistic children, most notably: "In 99 percent of the cases, it's a brat who hasn't been told to cut the act out," Savage went on to claim it's more likely that the child in question just needs stricter parenting, "They don't have a father around to tell them, `Don't act like a moron. You'll get nowhere in life. Stop acting like a putz. Straighten up." 

Hoo boy. It sure didn't take long for this one to catch fire on the boards. On our Hot Topics in Health community, the controversy is burning strong. Just a sampling of the reactions:

lillybell30: "There is a serious lack of understanding from people ... about what it means to have autism. And it seriously does not help things (whether it's his RIGHT to say it or not) when "famous" people say completely idiotic and uneducated things about a very serious disorder that affects so many people."

breezy1031: "I have to agree that the man that made such a judgmental statement about the Autistic children should be fired.  I think that part of the problem in this world today is that people, especially public figures, voice their opinions and forget how it can affect others.  We should all be more careful on what we say and how we say things."

brensticker: "... no one is saying bad parenting has caused Autism. It's suggested though, that many people are blaming Autism for bad parenting."

brandi_mom_of_2: "I have a seven year old son who has autism and I find Michael Savage's comments appalling. My son does have behavior problems and is on medication to help. When we are in public and he has a meltdown people look at us like 'why can't you control your kid' or 'he just needs his tail tore up'. Our kids have a hard enough time being accepted in our society today without ignorant people like Michael Savage telling the nation that autism is a fraud. If Don Imus was fired for making racial comments, why isn't this man fired for making these comments about autistic kids? What Michael Savage has said is just as bad, if not worse, than Imus."

Almost a week later, Savage's syndicated radio show "Savage Nation" is now feeling the effects of the offense, losing some notable sponsors. At the same time, individuals as well as those organized by support or advocacy groups vow to continue to boycott not only the show, but the syndication network Talk Radio Network and remaining sponsors of the broadcast.  

In an effort to try to find some value in Savage's comments, some on the Stepmoms vs. Bio Moms Debate message board are delving into what it means to have a right to express an opinion.

zippinpippin: "I think this was a slimey thing to say, and in NO WAY do I agree with it.  It does a disservice to all autistic children, their parents, and their caregivers.  

But, for the sake of argument, doesn't he have to right to say what he wants?  I mean, he could very well have said something like "99% of old people are smelly", or "99% of blondes are ditsy", or "99% of [stepmoms] are bad." 

If you disagree with what someone says in a public forum, then, by all means, boycott their sponsors, write letters, etc., but do we start taking away people's right to give their opinions now, in our increasingly PC world?"

little_lou: "I feel everyone has the right to an opinion...but that means the 'other side' also has the chance to answer that opinion in the public forum as well.

And let's face it...this man is simply repeating what many uninformed people truly believe about Autism, as sad and disturbing as that may be."

Some moms in the July 2006 Playgroup are torn between their dismay of Savage's approach, but see some possible validity in the idea behind the statements.

cl-luvmycpack: "I am not saying I agree or disagree with him or any of you, but I just want to say Savage is not saying autistic children are brats. He IS saying children with behavioral problems are being misdiagnosed with autism."

ellieonthemove: "I disagree with how he said things but at the same time Autism is becoming the new catch all since they've defined it as a 'spectrum' disorder now.  I think by broadening the definition they've done a huge disservice to kids with the more severe forms of autism ..."

In much the same fashion, recent comments made by actress Amanda Peet (in which she called parents who choose not to vaccinate their children "parasites") drew criticism from many in the community, prompting Peet to follow up with an apology that some feel was almost worse than the original statement. This was the topic of a lively discussion on our Vaccination Debate board. Apologies aside, I'm betting Amanda Peet is breathing a sigh of relief that Michael Savage came along quickly and took some attention away from her by making what appears to be an even bigger outrageous statement.  

What do you think about these statements made by those in the public eye? Are they done just for publicity or shock value? Should we give so much attention to these incidents? Are you interested in their opinions or are they misusing their celebrity? Share your reactions here!