Autism/MMR advice

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Expert: - 1/14/2010


Question
Dear Catherine,
I wonder if you'll be able to help me regd the MMR vaccination issue. My high function 5 1/2 yrs old daughter is due for her second MMR shot. I'm confused if I should go on with it. I had written to a few other experts & they advised me to get them in three different shots, but the problem is, here in Thailand, where we live, it's impopssible to get them separately. Only the measles vaccine is available separate, but the other two are combined with measles vaccine. What should I do.... really really confused.
Please help.....
Thank you,
Awaiting your response....
GLT

Answer
Hi GLT,

First, I am one who does not believe that vaccines cause autism.

Second, I have not read anywhere that a child who already has autism is at risk of becoming worse with subsequent vaccinations. There may be some who hold that opinion.

If it were me, I would get her vaccinated. Measles is the most dangerous disease of the three. Mumps and Rubella are less dangerous but can have severe consequences in some individuals. So, at least the measles vaccine is a good idea.

Only you can make this decision. I understand how torn you are.

Best wishes,
Catherine

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Catherine Ridenour

Expertise

I can answer your questions about parenting your High Functioning Autisic or Asperger`s Syndrome child. In particular, questions about family life, discipline, siblings, finding resources, and working with (sometimes opposing) the educational system are welcome.

Experience

I am the parent of an Asperger's Syndrome child who is now 22 years old. She went undiagnosed for 14 years of her life, so I have done extensive reading and Internet research into the possible cause of her difficulties. Even a short 8 years ago, A.S. was practically unheard of by the public educational system.

We fumbled our way through her childhood and early adolescence without any effective outside support. In some ways, that may have been a blessing as we were focused on her abilities rather than a label for her disability. However, I can think of many times when knowing WHY would have been comforting.

Had we known very early on, some social skills interventions might have made her life in school easier. At this point, I like her for who she is so I do not regret how things have turned out. More importantly, she likes herself.

Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelor of Science in Education.

I have worked to educate myself about Autism in general and HFA/AS in particular.

NOTE:

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