Creating #Autism Awareness and Providing Support Through Honestly and Android
Posts tagged Vaccines
Autism, Vaccines and Immune Deficiency
75 months ago
by Lost and Tired
in Autism
Autism, Vaccines and Immune Deficiency
First of all, let me go on the record as stating that I am NOT anti-vaccine…at all. However, something occurred to me this morning and has got me concerned. I’m concerned for a very specific reasons. Emmett and Elliott are both scheduled for vaccines on Thursday afternoon….well…they were scheduled for vaccines this Thursday but not now.
My goal here is not to turn this into a heated debate but rather share my concerns as they relate to my, personal family situation. I’m hoping to gain some insight from the community here.
Something occurred to me this morning. Gavin has most likely been Immunol deficient his entire life. Without knowing this, we vaccinated him as recommended by his pediatrician. No one had any idea that Gavin’s immune system was compromised until last Wednesday.
As a rule of thumb, our pediatrician will not vaccinate any of his patients when they are sick or may be getting sick because their immune system may be compromised. So my question is, what happens when a child with an immune deficiency receives a vaccine…especially a live vaccine? We would never knowingly do this but if it accidentally occurred what could happen? In the case of a live vaccine, I would think that the child would be at a much greater risk of becoming infected by the virus or viruses in the vaccine itself. I’m not an expert and that’s why I’m posing the question.
Vaccinating a child with an Immunol deficiency
As horrible as it sounds, we can’t undo whatever, if anything, that happened to Gavin as a result of vaccinating him while his immune system was compromised. However, now that we are aware of the problem and there is a very real potential that Emmett and Elliott both may have the same or similar Immunol deficiencies, we have to look at everything differently.
I spoke with the pediatrician’s office this morning at length about this concern. The nurse I spoke to shared our concerns with the doctor.
While I was waiting for the immunologist to call back, I heard back from the pediatrician. He said that if there is a chance that they have compromised immune systems, he does not want them to have any live vaccines. That put the brakes on tomorrow’s scheduled appointment for vaccination’s.
We are waiting for Elliott to be seen by the immunologist as well as awaiting the results of Emmett’s blood panel.
So how do you handle a situation such as this? I don’t believe vaccines cause Autism. However, how much of what Gavin is going through could be related to receiving vaccines with a compromised immune system? I haven’t been able to speak to the doctor about this yet but I thought I would pose the question.
Does anyone out there have any experience in this area? Immunol deficiency is a completely new area for me and so I feel like I’m starting from scratch. Any suggestions, advice or experience would be greatly appreciated.
**Thanks for reading**-Lost and Tired
Emmett and the vaccine debate
37 months ago
Today Emmett was due for 3 vaccines, MMR, Hep A and something else…can’t remember. While I’m pro-vaccines I still like to talk to the doctor about them before they are given go our boys.
I was introduced to a family that had a child seriously injured by the MMR. It’s a real life situation and while I still don’t think vaccines are linked to Autism I do know that some kids are seriously injured. These are well documented cases and my heart goes out to these families.
Elliott was hospitalized after the MMR and so I have concerns about Emmett. Dr. H discussed those concerns and collectively we decided to split everything up. He received the other 2 vaccines today and the MMR as well as Elliott’s chicken pox booster is scheduled for a month out.
I encourage everyone to share your concerns with your child’s doctor and really listen to what they have to say before you just decide to not vaccinate. There are other options, like, breaking them up or simply waiting a bit. The more informed you are about vaccines the better decisions you will be able to make because you have actually talked with your doctor. Your decision to vaccinate or not to vaccinate should not be based on some fringe website but based on what you feel is best for your child after having a “real life” talk with your child’s doctor.
We personally choose to vaccinate but we do so after educating ourselves and talking to our doctor.
- Lost and Tired
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We have arrived 6/27/2011
07 months ago
by Lost and Tired
in ADHD, Aspergers, Autism, Doctor's, Elliott Richard, Emmett John, Family, Parenting
We just arrived at NCMF with Elliott and Emmett for the respective appointments. We will be here a while and have bloodwork and vaccines to look forward to. I have no idea how this is going to go. Gavin is with my mom and she is taking him to OT so he doesn’t miss his appointment.
- Lost and Tired
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-Lost and Tired
Emmett has his 3 year checkup today
07 months ago
Emmett has his 3 year appoint today with Dr. H. He’ll check all the usuals and let us know where he is at as far as weight and height. We will discuss vaccines and what he needs and doesn’t need. I’m not sure if he’s due for any or not but we always like to talk to Dr. H about any and all vaccines prior to blindly vaccinating any of our kids. We do our best to responsibly vaccinate our children. As I have made very clear in the past we are pro vaccines but we still do our research and seek the advice of our trusted Dr. H before we decide to give one of our children a vaccination.
It will be interesting to see where Emmett is compared to other kids his age.
- Lost and Tired
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Autism: We’re all on the same side….right?
39 months ago
The great “Autism debate” rages on and divide or rift inside the community was the inevitable result. Aren’t we all on the same side?
Since watching the movie Loving Lamppost: Living Autistic I’ve been thinking. Why all the “infighting” ? Aren’t we all on the same side? Don’t we all want the same thing? I realize that in any debate there has to be two sides and Autism is no exception. We have the “recovery movement” and the “ neurodiversity movement”.
Proponents of the “recovery movement” believe Autism is caused by vaccines and/or other environmental toxins. This movement is considered to operateoutside the realm of mainstream science and medicine. There is little or no scientific evidence to support their theory of the origins of Autism. They believe that Autism can be cured and children recovered using “alternative” treatments such as GFCF diet, hyperbaric therapy and detoxification.
Proponents of “neuordiversity” choose to look at things like Autism or ADHD for example, as natural conditions. They acknowledge that these conditions can be challenging or even disabling. However, they see Autism as more of a variation of the human condition. They promote acceptance but are not against medical or biomedical intervention as deemed necessary to address certain symptoms and improve the overall quality of life.
Now I feel that everyone is entitled to there own opinion. However, we CANNOT let our differences of opinion come between us and what we are trying to accomplish. The problem with a debate like this, in my opinion, is that we lose focus on what’s most important. Instead of the community coming together for a common goal we are waging war on each other. Who’s right and who’s wrong becomes the most important issue. Do you know who pays the price? It’s our kids that pay the price. This is unacceptable and needs to stop. We should be working together and not against one another.
So I propose a new movement. Call it the “reality Autism movement” and everyone is invited. What is the “reality Autism movement”? We recognize that despite some fundamental differences WE ARE ALL ON THE SAME TEAM working to get to same place. We know that everyone…EVERYONE, regardless of opinion, plays a VERY important role in the spread of Autism Awareness. We also believe we stand a MUCH better chance of building a better, more understanding world for our children if we stand together….despite our differences. One UNITED front. We DO NOT condone or tolerate the bullying of others that may not share our beliefs. We realize that while research is VITAL to the future, there are families struggling with Autism NOW.
The “reality Autism movement” believes:
-The “reality” of Autism is that we DON’T know what causes it. While we will NEVER agree on this, we also recognize everyone’s right to have an opinion about what happened to their child. We respect these opinions…even if we don’t agree.
-The “reality” of Autism is that most people have NO idea what Autism REALLY is. We share our personal experience with Autism in order to help the world see Autism though the eyes of persons and families affected by it.
-The “reality” of Autism is that it’s different for each person and can impact a family in profoundly different ways. Because of this we recognize that Autism can and will mean different things to different people. We believe that’s okay.
-The “reality” of Autism is that we have no “cure”. While not everyone believes Autism can or even should be “cured”, we recognize that everyone’s opinion is relative to their experience with Autism. Some are more profoundly impacted then others and so a the idea of a “cure” means hope and we understand and support them. Some people do just fine and so the idea of a “cure” holds no value and that’s perfectly okay as well.
-The “reality” of Autism is that we don’t know enough about it to really know much of anything but we are learning more and more each day.
-The “reality” of Autism is that Autistic kids grow up to be Autistic adults and there is NOT enough support for these people. We push for better understanding, support and acceptance so that adult persons with Autism can meet their own potential and lead healthy, happy lives.
-The “reality” of Autism is that the world as a whole may never understand or accept persons with Autism. We recognize this as an “unpleasant truth” but a reality none-the-less. We realize that we must prepare our children for the world WHILE we prepare the world for our children.
So who’s on board? The “reality Autism movement” is open to EVERYONE because the only way we are going to succeed is if we ALL work together .
**Thanks for reading**-Lost and Tired
I’m Loving Lampposts….
19 months ago
Loving Lampposts: Living Autistic
I have been hearing about Loving Lampposts: Living Autistic for a while now. This documentary, by director Todd Drezner, takes a look at the two sides of the Autism debate. When I was contacted by Cinema Libre Studio and asked to review it here at lostandtired.com I was really excited. As I’m not a movie critic or even that talented a writer I will approach this review from the perspective of a parent with 3 Autistic boys and a vested interest in this debate.
Click the image to BUY the movie. Proceeds from your purchase will come right back to my family. But you MUST use one of the links on this blog.
When I first began watching the film I was immediately able to identify with its director, Todd Drezner and his family. His adorable son, Sam (who happens to be Autistic), reminds me of my own kids. Sam has a “fascination” with 4 specific lampposts located in Prospect Park (Brooklyn). Sam can spend hours visiting with his lampposts and his parents lovingly support this, which I think is amazing. In this film Todd explores the question: is Autism a devastating illness or neuordiversity? There are two sides to this debate, the “recovery movement” and those promoting acceptance and “neuordiversity”.
Proponents of the “recovery movement” believe Autism is caused by vaccines and/or other environmental toxins. This movement is considered to operate outside the realm of mainstream science and medicine. There is little or no scientific evidence to support their theory of the origins of Autism. They believe that Autism can be cured and children recovered using “alternative” treatments such as GFCF diet, hyperbaric therapy and detoxification.
Proponents of “neuordiversity” choose to look at things like Autism or ADHD for example, as natural conditions. They acknowledge that these conditions can be challenging or even disabling. However, they see Autism as more of a variation of the human condition. They promote acceptance but are not against medical or biomedical intervention as deemed necessary to address certain symptoms and improve the overall quality of life.
Loving Lampposts: Living Autistic
The way Todd approaches this debate is quiet fair to both sides even though he lends himself to the neuordiversity camp. The people he chooses to interview on either side of the line are very engaging, regardless of whether or not your personal views fall in line with theirs. I especially found Ralph James Savarese and Roy Richard Grinker to be particularly enlightening. Dora Raymaker and Stephen Shore, both adults with Autism, are nothing short of inspiring, especially to a father of 3 Autistic boys.
I will admit that prior to viewing this film I had preconceived notions about the different sides of this debate. Loving Lampposts manages to put faces on each side of the argument and helps to you better understand and relate to those residing on either side of the line. You don’t have to agree with their views or ideas but you are given the unique chance to better understand things from their perspective. While I don’t personally subscribe to the “recovery movement”, I don’t completely agree with “neuordiversity” either. What Todd accomplished with Loving Lampposts is to shine a light on both sides and bring the relevant information to the viewer’s attention, allowing them to make their own decision. I never felt pushed or pulled in any direction by this film either. Todd openly shares his thoughts and opinions on Autism and he genuinely seems invested in what is going on right now within the Autism community and this rather emotionally charged debate.
As I previously stated, I’m not a movie critic and have never really written a review before. That said, I have never really been inspired to write a review before either. I have watched this film several times now and each time I find myself walking away with an ever increasing sense of hope for the future. Anyone that has followed my family’s story knows that hope is something that has been absent from our lives for quite some time, so that’s major accomplishment. Loving Lampposts: Living Autistic is inspiring, informative, brilliant thought provoking but most importantly, honest. I would not hesitate one moment in recommending this film to ANYONE but especially those who’s lives are touched by Autism and their families. You will walk away with a much better understanding of what Autism is and the school’s of thought surrounding it. If you haven’t seen Loving Lampposts I highly recommended you do.
I hope my “review” does this amazing film by the very talented Todd Drezner some justice. Loving Lampposts: Living Autistic is truly a great film that holds great educational value and is, in my opinion, a MUST SEE, especially if your life is touched by Autism..
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Loving Lampposts Trailer from Loving Lampposts on Vimeo.
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