1 in 91

When I first started the autism journey two years ago, the statistics were that 1 in 150 kids were diagnosed with this condition. I thought that was pretty horrifying considering it used to be 1 in 10,000. Then I got my latest TACA (Talk About Curing Austim) Newsletter today and read the current stats: 1 in 91. Is it just me, or is that a pretty dramatic change for only 2 years?

I know the majority of pediatricians - including ours because I haven't found a DAN (Defeat Autism Now) doctor yet - deny that the immunizations have anything to do with causing autism. I personally feel they do and find it incoincidental that 99% of parents with autistic children noticed a change in their kids right around the 18-month mark, after the regularly scheduled MMR vaccination.

With the flu season already off to a really early and bad start, I've been going back and forth in my head about whether or not to give Raquel the H1N1 vaccine. In the TACA Newsletter today, there was a great article about this from Dr. Robert Sears. He explained the 4 vaccines, how they are given, the ingredients, how they are manufactured, etc. But then he said, "I do not recommend any more vaccines, including this one, for any child with autism" and went on to say that his biggest worry about the H1N1 vaccine is that it "requires two doses for kids 9 years and younger. When you add in the regular flu shot, that's 3 doses over a short time. There is no safety research that I know of that demonstrates the safety of 3 doses of a flu shot in one season. Plus, the swine flu product inserts very clearly state that there is NO safety or efficacy research yet."

That didn't give me a very warm feeling - especially considering I have a child with limited communication skills who can't explain any reactions/side effects she may be having. Raquel has a follow-up neurological appointment in mid-January, so I'll discuss this with Dr. Mower and get his input then.

I can't say enough about TACA and the amazing job they do. Check out their website at www.tacanow.org. If you are reading this, you more than likely know someone or a family affected by autism. Join TACA. Sign up for their newsletter. Educate yourself. Donate to the cause if you are able. Sponsor a family in need. Volunteer. Although Raquel is on the low end of the spectrum because of her sensory issues, she is still ON the spectrum. And I have promised myself to get more involved with TACA in 2010.

Okay, off my soap box...

Last Wednesday when I picked Raquel up from school, I overheard her teacher talking to another parent, saying that their kid was sick and shouldn't have been in school. A note came home in Raquel's backpack that day, reiterating the rules about how kids in the special ed class have lower immune systems and are not welcome when ill because another one can easily catch their sickness. Raquel woke up in the middle of the night with a fever. The next morning, the fever was lower but she was sneezing, coughing and had a runny nose - which has gotten progressively worse over the past few days. I am praying that she doesn't get a "hidden" sinus infection. I may be taking her to urgent care in the morning if there's not much improvement.

Hoping she's feeling better in the morning and that we can have a nice family day at home decorating for Christmas!