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Autism/refusing booster immunizations

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Expert: - 6/1/2007


Question
Hi Catherine,
My son just turned 4 and he is due for his booster immunizations.  He is in Special Ed preschool and he was categorized with "Autistic like" characteristics.  He is a wonderful happy go lucky kid with a need for repetition and a language delay.  He has been in preschool since January and he has improved SO much socially and the bad case of echolalia has all but vanished. I am so paranoid about give him the immunization shots that are now due him on his 4th B-day because I have heard of cases where kids get there shots and within days they digress into no speech and or other issues.  On the surface, my son seems so perfectly normal and the improvements I have seen in him since he went into Preschool are amazing.  I would not be able to forgive myself if I were to agree to them and then he would take a drastic turn.  I do believe since my son has the autistic like behavior he is more suceptible to whatever the shots MIGHT DO!!!  Help, I need some advise.  I spoke to my son's pediatrician but she doesn't believe in the "so called myth" but this is the same doctor who told me that there was NOTHING wrong with my son when I kept insisting he had delays and strange behavior.  Also, I don't know if they will not accept him in school if he doesn't get the shots.  Catherine, should I refuse immunization?

Answer
I also don't believe that immunizations cause autism.

I can only go on our own experience. Our daughter had symptoms before she ever had an immunization. Her symptoms never changed following any immunization. As an adult, she chooses to have flu shots each year.

I understand your fear, though. It's the hardest thing we ever do to be totally responsible for our children.

Don't be too hard on your doctor for not recognizing your son's autism. You live with him and she sees him only for a few moments at a time. I applaud you for getting him evaluated and into a special program.

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.

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