Expert: James Michael Roan - 2/24/2008

Question
I noticed in one of your answers to another person that you suggested going ahead with the MMR unless there was a weakened immune system OR a head in the 97th percentile at birth.  What correlation is the head size?  A very concerned grandma!! Toni

Answer
Hi Toni;

This was just my opinion and is loosely supported by research. Large head size at birth (97th percentile and greater) was later correlated with autism in "some" individuals, leading some researchers to suspect that a weak immune system may be connected to developing "regressive type" autism later in life when coming into contact with antibiotics, the MMR, or infection. It's just a theory and has not been fully researched. On the other hand I have interviewed parents who have reported just such cases with their children. I see it as only a precaution. It's not the head size, it's a weak immune system that has led to the swelling of the brain that is real the correlate.

Kind regards,
James