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I believe there are many probable reasons for the development of autism. I think the main one is genetic, but can then be triggered by exposures during infancy and childhood. I have read studies and stats that indicate induction is a possible risk factor. I don't think it's out of the question that vaccines might also be a risk factor. But you have to weigh up your genetic predisposition with the risks of not inducing, vaccinating and whatever other factors come into play. The Wakefield study received so much criticism I took it with skepticism.
Also, I think how/whether your child physically reacts to a vaccination is probably an indicator of the level of effect.
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Autism has been around for centuries. Many people from history had it. There has been nothing to prove that is anything other than a genetic trait.
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You said pretty much EXACTLY what I was thinking Jen. When I've mentioned in the past that I won't be vaccinating on schedule, people scoff and ask me if I 'fell for Wakefield's nonsense', lol. I say no, our decision as a couple wasn't based on one single study, flawed or not. I believe there is a link, but I think it's more of a 'straw that broke the camels back' scenario. So we'll be vaccinating one at a time, slowly, and watching carefully for reactions. We also don't have any risk factors on either side, otherwise I probably wouldn't vaccinate at all.
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Nope, it had no influence on my decision to vaccinate. My child does have autism. In our case, it is genetic. If I had known what signs to look for, my child showed signs from birth.
