Comments on: Unlocking the mystery of autism http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/22/unlocking-the-mystery-of-autism/ Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:26:55 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Amy http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/22/unlocking-the-mystery-of-autism/comment-page-5/#comment-56292 Amy Mon, 21 Dec 2009 01:01:25 +0000 http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/?p=3699#comment-56292 Amy- My white blood cell count was 2 1/2 times normal levels during my pregnancy. It was detected in my 6th month. I, too, was monitored by a hemotologist. Otherwise, I had a very easy pregnancy. I was not sick during my pregnancy. As soon as I gave birth, my white blood cell count returned to normal. I am researching to see if there is anyone else who had the same problem or if there is any research about this. Please, if anyone has any information, please forward it to me at amyrpaul@comcast.net. We have a beautiful little boy who is now 2 and diagnosed on the spectrum. He is making exceptional progress utilizing Dr. Greenspan's Floortime treatment approach. -Amy Amy-
My white blood cell count was 2 1/2 times normal levels during my pregnancy. It was detected in my 6th month. I, too, was monitored by a hemotologist. Otherwise, I had a very easy pregnancy. I was not sick during my pregnancy. As soon as I gave birth, my white blood cell count returned to normal.
I am researching to see if there is anyone else who had the same problem or if there is any research about this. Please, if anyone has any information, please forward it to me at amyrpaul@comcast.net. We have a beautiful little boy who is now 2 and diagnosed on the spectrum. He is making exceptional progress utilizing Dr. Greenspan's Floortime treatment approach.
-Amy

]]> By: Gena http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/22/unlocking-the-mystery-of-autism/comment-page-5/#comment-37112 Gena Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:53:05 +0000 http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/?p=3699#comment-37112 I am wondering if hot baths and hot tubs could be a cause. In asia this is used as a form of birth control. What affects does this have on sperm other then killing out right? I've heard it could cause mobility problems in sperm. Could it also cause damage but still allow for fertilization? I am wondering if hot baths and hot tubs could be a cause. In asia this is used as a form of birth control. What affects does this have on sperm other then killing out right? I've heard it could cause mobility problems in sperm. Could it also cause damage but still allow for fertilization?

]]> By: daureena williams http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/22/unlocking-the-mystery-of-autism/comment-page-5/#comment-32107 daureena williams Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:27:46 +0000 http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/?p=3699#comment-32107 sorry i just found this link after a big move we had, I just like to say thankyou to all the support and information that was provided for my family and we are definently looking into it . sorry i just found this link after a big move we had,
I just like to say thankyou to all the support and information that was provided for my family and we are definently looking into it .

]]> By: mothers love! http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/22/unlocking-the-mystery-of-autism/comment-page-4/#comment-30475 mothers love! Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:03:22 +0000 http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/?p=3699#comment-30475 MY SON WEIGHED 7 POUNDS 9 OUNCES, AND LOOKED NORMAL AND HEALTHY AS ALL NORMAL HEALTHY BABIES DO., HE WAS NORMAL IN EVERY WAY AND ACTIVE, HE TALKED LIKE YOUNG BABIES DO AT 8/9 MONTHS DO,THEN WHEN HE GOT TO BE A YEAR OLD HE STOPPED LEARNING AND TALKNG SEEMED LIKE HE WAS GOING BACKWARD IN LEARNING.THEN WHEN HE WAS AROUND 2 YEARS OLD THEY DIAGNOSED HIM WITH SOMETHING I NEW NOTHING ABOUT {AUTISM} THAT WAS IN THE 1970'S LIKE 76/77.I DIDN'T HAVE KNOW HELP TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT TO DO HE WOULD BEAT HIS HEAD ON THE FLOOR AND SCREAM OUT LOUD LIKE HE WAS HURTING SOME WHERE, THE NEIGHBORS NOT KNOWING ME OR HIM WOULD CALL THE HUMAN SERVICES ON ME , THEY WOULD COME OUT AND CHECK ON THE PROBLEM AND FIND OUT THAT IT WAS ME AND MY SON ,THEY WOULD APOLOGIZE TO ME AND SAY IF THERE'S ANYTHING THEY CAN DO LET THEM KNOW I WOULD ASK BEG THEM FOR HELP BECAUS E MY NERVES COULD'NT HANDLE MUCH MORE, NO ONE AROUND THIS SMALL TOWN EVEN NASHVILLE TENNESSEE, DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO OR HOW TO DEAL WITH IT I HAD TO BE STRONG AND LEARNED AS I WENT ALONG, MY HUSBAND AND MY DAUGHTER ,HAS SPENT ALL THERE LIFES TRYING TO UNDERSTAND HIS NEEDS AND WANTS,HE'S NOT IN A WORLD OF HIS ON , WHEN HIS DAD PASSED AWAY ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO HE SHOWED SOME FEELINGS, 2WEEKS LATER AFTER HIS DAD WAS BURRIED, HE MUMBLED OUT LOUD,DA,DA BYE,BYE.HE'S 34 YEARS OLD I WOULD'NT SWITCH HIM FOR NOTHING IN THE WORLD, IF NO ONE BELIEVES IN MIRACLES,MY SON IS LIVING PROVE THERE IS A LOVING GOD!!!!!! BECAUSE MY SON HAS EATEN AND DRUNK STUFF THAT WOULD HAVE KILLED US AND DONE THAT SEVERAL TIMES.HE'S TAKEN PILLS THAT SOMEONE WOULD FORGET TO PUT UP, AND DRUNK BLEACH SO MUCH THAT HIS CLOTHES HAD TURNED DIFFERENT COLORS ,THE BLEACH HAD WORKED THROUGH HIS SKIN,THATS BEEN ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO. WE HAVE TO KEEP EVERYTHING UNDER LOCK AND KEY FOR HIS SAFETY THERE'S OTHER THINGS HE'S DONE THAT WOULD BE TO MUCH TO WRITE. THE MEANING IS IT TAKES DEDICATION AND ALOT OF SUPPORT AND LOVE TO CARE FOR MY SON,NO MATTER WHAT CAUSED THIS PROBLEM HE'S HERE AND HE'S SPECIAL,A LOVING MOTHER!& SISTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MY SON WEIGHED 7 POUNDS 9 OUNCES, AND LOOKED NORMAL AND HEALTHY AS ALL NORMAL HEALTHY BABIES DO., HE WAS NORMAL IN EVERY WAY AND ACTIVE, HE TALKED LIKE YOUNG BABIES DO AT 8/9 MONTHS DO,THEN WHEN HE GOT TO BE A YEAR OLD HE STOPPED LEARNING AND TALKNG SEEMED LIKE HE WAS GOING BACKWARD IN LEARNING.THEN WHEN HE WAS AROUND 2 YEARS OLD THEY DIAGNOSED HIM WITH SOMETHING I NEW NOTHING ABOUT {AUTISM} THAT WAS IN THE 1970'S LIKE 76/77.I DIDN'T HAVE KNOW HELP TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT TO DO HE WOULD BEAT HIS HEAD ON THE FLOOR AND SCREAM OUT LOUD LIKE HE WAS HURTING SOME WHERE, THE NEIGHBORS NOT KNOWING ME OR HIM WOULD CALL THE HUMAN SERVICES ON ME , THEY WOULD COME OUT AND CHECK ON THE PROBLEM AND FIND OUT THAT IT WAS ME AND MY SON ,THEY WOULD APOLOGIZE TO ME AND SAY IF THERE'S ANYTHING THEY CAN DO LET THEM KNOW I WOULD ASK BEG THEM FOR HELP BECAUS E MY NERVES COULD'NT HANDLE MUCH MORE, NO ONE AROUND THIS SMALL TOWN EVEN NASHVILLE TENNESSEE, DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO OR HOW TO DEAL WITH IT I HAD TO BE STRONG AND LEARNED AS I WENT ALONG, MY HUSBAND AND MY DAUGHTER ,HAS SPENT ALL THERE LIFES TRYING TO UNDERSTAND HIS NEEDS AND WANTS,HE'S NOT IN A WORLD OF HIS ON , WHEN HIS DAD PASSED AWAY ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO HE SHOWED SOME FEELINGS, 2WEEKS LATER AFTER HIS DAD WAS BURRIED, HE MUMBLED OUT LOUD,DA,DA BYE,BYE.HE'S 34 YEARS OLD I WOULD'NT SWITCH HIM FOR NOTHING IN THE WORLD, IF NO ONE BELIEVES IN MIRACLES,MY SON IS LIVING PROVE THERE IS A LOVING GOD!!!!!! BECAUSE MY SON HAS EATEN AND DRUNK STUFF THAT WOULD HAVE KILLED US AND DONE THAT SEVERAL TIMES.HE'S TAKEN PILLS THAT SOMEONE WOULD FORGET TO PUT UP, AND DRUNK BLEACH SO MUCH THAT HIS CLOTHES HAD TURNED DIFFERENT COLORS ,THE BLEACH HAD WORKED THROUGH HIS SKIN,THATS BEEN ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO. WE HAVE TO KEEP EVERYTHING UNDER LOCK AND KEY FOR HIS SAFETY THERE'S OTHER THINGS HE'S DONE THAT WOULD BE TO MUCH TO WRITE. THE MEANING IS IT TAKES DEDICATION AND ALOT OF SUPPORT AND LOVE TO CARE FOR MY SON,NO MATTER WHAT CAUSED THIS PROBLEM HE'S HERE AND HE'S SPECIAL,A LOVING MOTHER!& SISTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

]]> By: kimberly http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/22/unlocking-the-mystery-of-autism/comment-page-4/#comment-25282 kimberly Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:37:04 +0000 http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/?p=3699#comment-25282 C.L. Rechel- I've NEVER smoked marijuana....cannot say the same for my husband. I don't think it's some mysterious conspiracy that causes Autism. I truly believe it's Genetics...maybe with a dash of environmental effects. I really wish the focus would go there as far as funding is concerned. As for my 2 Autistic angels...they don't need a cure...they need patience, understanding and for the general population to be open minded and realize that their children won't "catch" it if around my children. We, as Autistic families need to find ways to make more people educated about Autism. Too many times, my little ones are treated as "freaks" , not by other children, but by the PARENTS. C.L. Rechel-
I've NEVER smoked marijuana....cannot say the same for my husband.

I don't think it's some mysterious conspiracy that causes Autism. I truly believe it's Genetics...maybe with a dash of environmental effects.
I really wish the focus would go there as far as funding is concerned.

As for my 2 Autistic angels...they don't need a cure...they need patience, understanding and for the general population to be open minded and realize that their children won't "catch" it if around my children.
We, as Autistic families need to find ways to make more people educated about Autism. Too many times, my little ones are treated as "freaks" , not by other children, but by the PARENTS.

]]> By: C.L. Rechel http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/22/unlocking-the-mystery-of-autism/comment-page-4/#comment-25232 C.L. Rechel Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:18:15 +0000 http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/?p=3699#comment-25232 I feel that the most common denominator to the causes of autism, is smoking marijuana. Someone needs to do some research into this. The father can damage his genes long before his sperm fertilizes an egg, and in a woman, she does not have to be currently pregnant to also damage her DNA and future babies she may have. Of the many people I have spoken to who have autistic children, the common factor was that they all had smoked marijuana several times previously. I feel that the most common denominator to the causes of autism, is smoking marijuana. Someone needs to do some research into this. The father can damage his genes long before his sperm fertilizes an egg, and in a woman, she does not have to be currently pregnant to also damage her DNA and future babies she may have.
Of the many people I have spoken to who have autistic children, the common factor was that they all had smoked marijuana several times previously.

]]> By: mikki http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/22/unlocking-the-mystery-of-autism/comment-page-4/#comment-25220 mikki Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:04:47 +0000 http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/?p=3699#comment-25220 Would like to know if there is any correlation to either infant formula or corn (which has been genetically engineered for years). I think the infant formula (cow's milk, soy, etc) probably has something to do with the digestive difficulties and possibly brain development. Would like to know if there is any correlation to either infant formula or corn (which has been genetically engineered for years). I think the infant formula (cow's milk, soy, etc) probably has something to do with the digestive difficulties and possibly brain development.

]]> By: Kerry http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/22/unlocking-the-mystery-of-autism/comment-page-4/#comment-25183 Kerry Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:26:49 +0000 http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/?p=3699#comment-25183 Most of the doctors who participated in the original "vaccines cause autism" have admitted that they falsified results. If doctors and pharmaceutical companies are all in a giant conspiracy, why do doctors get their own kids vaccinated? (As a doctor's child, myself and all five of my siblings have received all recommended vaccinations, including the five year old, who was born after this false study). Autism is an incredibly tragic condition, and we need to work on helping those who have it by using real science. Most of the doctors who participated in the original "vaccines cause autism" have admitted that they falsified results. If doctors and pharmaceutical companies are all in a giant conspiracy, why do doctors get their own kids vaccinated? (As a doctor's child, myself and all five of my siblings have received all recommended vaccinations, including the five year old, who was born after this false study). Autism is an incredibly tragic condition, and we need to work on helping those who have it by using real science.

]]> By: Karla RN http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/22/unlocking-the-mystery-of-autism/comment-page-4/#comment-25158 Karla RN Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:56:28 +0000 http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/?p=3699#comment-25158 I hope in this study they take a good look at the placenta. As an L&D nurse for the better part of 34 years I think we are missing some vital info in not examining placentas in cases where disease is suspected. We may not know what to look for, but there should be some norms set up. Look for evidence of environmental, pharamaceutical, nutritional, etc. in placental tissues. Or maybe just freeze placentas and to examine at a later date when autism is diagnosed. I hope in this study they take a good look at the placenta. As an L&D nurse for the better part of 34 years I think we are missing some vital info in not examining placentas in cases where disease is suspected. We may not know what to look for, but there should be some norms set up. Look for evidence of environmental, pharamaceutical, nutritional, etc. in placental tissues. Or maybe just freeze placentas and to examine at a later date when autism is diagnosed.

]]> By: JB http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/22/unlocking-the-mystery-of-autism/comment-page-4/#comment-25132 JB Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:19:07 +0000 http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/?p=3699#comment-25132 Maybe I'm missing something , but if fillings and vaccinations cause autism, why doesn't everyone have it? My entire family has Asperger's to some degree and are considered on the spectrum, albeit high functioning, myself included. It's genetic, like your hair color, or your gender. You learn to function with it, if you are able to, but you will never be "cured". A diagnosis should be the beginning of that learning process, not a definition of who you are. Good luck to all of us! Maybe I'm missing something , but if fillings and vaccinations cause autism, why doesn't everyone have it?

My entire family has Asperger's to some degree and are considered on the spectrum, albeit high functioning, myself included.

It's genetic, like your hair color, or your gender. You learn to function with it, if you are able to, but you will never be "cured".

A diagnosis should be the beginning of that learning process, not a definition of who you are.

Good luck to all of us!

]]> By: kimberly http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/22/unlocking-the-mystery-of-autism/comment-page-4/#comment-25130 kimberly Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:55:26 +0000 http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/?p=3699#comment-25130 Serenity- Isn't it interesting how these "Cure" doctors are so quick to recommend very dangerous chelation therapy to rid our children of leads (even though our bodies DO require a small amount of some leads to function), yet, none of these same doctors is fighting to create a clean form of ridding our waters from these leads??? Susie- good for you fighting for your child!! so many people don't trust their instincts and just go with what the doctor says without question. Just a quick note to point out as far as intelligence and Autism goes- My daughter is Aspergers....she scored a 92 on intelligence level whereas most kids score between 25 and 75....yet, she talks of nothing other than Zebras and cannot sit in a chair for 30 seconds without falling out for no apparent reason, she is also rigid in routine, and was talking at a very early age. Serenity-
Isn't it interesting how these "Cure" doctors are so quick to recommend very dangerous chelation therapy to rid our children of leads (even though our bodies DO require a small amount of some leads to function),
yet, none of these same doctors is fighting to create a clean form of ridding our waters from these leads???

Susie- good for you fighting for your child!! so many people don't trust their instincts and just go with what the doctor says without question.

Just a quick note to point out as far as intelligence and Autism goes-

My daughter is Aspergers....she scored a 92 on intelligence level whereas most kids score between 25 and 75....yet, she talks of nothing other than Zebras and cannot sit in a chair for 30 seconds without falling out for no apparent reason, she is also rigid in routine, and was talking at a very early age.

]]> By: kate http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/22/unlocking-the-mystery-of-autism/comment-page-4/#comment-25103 kate Wed, 24 Jun 2009 06:28:47 +0000 http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/?p=3699#comment-25103 there is no proven link between vaccines and autism in any peer reviewed medical journal. mercury has already been taken out of vaccines. as a public health practitioner, and a cousin of two boys with autism (from the same family, demonstrating yet another source of genetic evidence), i hope to dispel this myth. please stop listening to the jenny mccarthys of the world and read scientific evidence that autism is not caused by vaccinations. vaccinating children is extremely important, and i hope someday researchers focusing on this condition find the real source, which is most likely due to both genetic and environmental causes. there is no proven link between vaccines and autism in any peer reviewed medical journal. mercury has already been taken out of vaccines. as a public health practitioner, and a cousin of two boys with autism (from the same family, demonstrating yet another source of genetic evidence), i hope to dispel this myth. please stop listening to the jenny mccarthys of the world and read scientific evidence that autism is not caused by vaccinations. vaccinating children is extremely important, and i hope someday researchers focusing on this condition find the real source, which is most likely due to both genetic and environmental causes.

]]> By: susie http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/22/unlocking-the-mystery-of-autism/comment-page-4/#comment-25102 susie Wed, 24 Jun 2009 06:27:15 +0000 http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/?p=3699#comment-25102 It would also be great if doctors would stop over diagnosing autism and scaring the hell out of parents. My son had a language delay and food intolerances and the doctor was very quick to diagnose him with autism. He now is 4 and is highly intelligent for his age, very social, talkative and so on - but I'm sure there is a terrible diagnosis for this too! It would also be great if doctors would stop over diagnosing autism and scaring the hell out of parents. My son had a language delay and food intolerances and the doctor was very quick to diagnose him with autism. He now is 4 and is highly intelligent for his age, very social, talkative and so on – but I'm sure there is a terrible diagnosis for this too!

]]> By: kimberly http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/22/unlocking-the-mystery-of-autism/comment-page-3/#comment-25099 kimberly Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:41:59 +0000 http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/?p=3699#comment-25099 To respond to C- Its very interesting that you brought that up because studies have shown that fathers that have children later in life have a higher chance of having a child with Autism. My husband was 38 when we had our daughter with high functioning, and 41 when we had our son who has classic Autism. As far as their nutrition, I do not know. I do know that if nutrition plays a role during pregnancy...Taco Bell might go out of business!! OK..bad joke...but interesting theory. To respond to C-
Its very interesting that you brought that up because studies have shown that fathers that have children later in life have a higher chance of having a child with Autism. My husband was 38 when we had our daughter with high functioning, and 41 when we had our son who has classic Autism. As far as their nutrition, I do not know. I do know that if nutrition plays a role during pregnancy...Taco Bell might go out of business!!
OK..bad joke...but interesting theory.

]]> By: kimberly http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/22/unlocking-the-mystery-of-autism/comment-page-3/#comment-25098 kimberly Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:30:40 +0000 http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/?p=3699#comment-25098 Hi Amy- Yes...the differences were behavioral...I know many would discount that, but I do have a daughter that is not on the spectrum, and 2 that are. My daughter with Aspergers would not stop moving during pregnancy, (she is 5 now), and smells made me very ill, she has a brain that works overtime now, and is very sensitive to sounds and smells. My son, who has classic autism barely moved, to the point that I got very worried during pregnancy. I just knew something was up...as a mom, you know the feeling, but can't really explain. As an infant, he displayed characteristics that I didn't pinpoint at the time because my daughter was not diagnosed...I was clueless. But now, when I think back....the funny hand movements when he was just born....staring at lights....I know it had nothing to do with vaccines. Either way, they are both wonderfully unique children that are happy and loved and cared for. I wouldn't dream of putting them through daily shots, chelation therapy and other unproven biomedical treatments that would make them miserable. That would defeat my purpose....I want them HAPPY. As an Autism Mom, I actually steer other Autism families AWAY from DAN! doctors. I am all for funding being spent on real research. Anyhow, best wishes to you. Hi Amy-
Yes...the differences were behavioral...I know many would discount that, but I do have a daughter that is not on the spectrum, and 2 that are. My daughter with Aspergers would not stop moving during pregnancy, (she is 5 now), and smells made me very ill, she has a brain that works overtime now, and is very sensitive to sounds and smells. My son, who has classic autism barely moved, to the point that I got very worried during pregnancy. I just knew something was up...as a mom, you know the feeling, but can't really explain. As an infant, he displayed characteristics that I didn't pinpoint at the time because my daughter was not diagnosed...I was clueless. But now, when I think back....the funny hand movements when he was just born....staring at lights....I know it had nothing to do with vaccines.

Either way, they are both wonderfully unique children that are happy and loved and cared for. I wouldn't dream of putting them through daily shots, chelation therapy and other unproven biomedical treatments that would make them miserable. That would defeat my purpose....I want them HAPPY.

As an Autism Mom, I actually steer other Autism families AWAY from DAN! doctors. I am all for funding being spent on real research.

Anyhow, best wishes to you.

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