Thimerosal to be discussed at Wednesday's CDC meeting

For those of you with Nothing Better to Do (like work with your kid in the next room who already has autism)

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will meet this week at the CDC in Atlanta. Thimerosal, a controversial mercury-based vaccine preservative, is scheduled to be discussed Wednesday morning at 10:55 am.

While thimerosal has been phased out of some vaccines, it is still present in flu shots recommended for pregnant women, infants and young children. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines indicate that the 25 micrograms of mercury contained in flu shots is unsafe for anyone weighing less than 550 pounds.

Two weeks ago, the CDC released a report citing 1 in 150 children are now diagnosed with autism. Many parents and scientists believe the increased use of mercury-containing vaccines starting in the late 1980's has led to the rise in cases.

"Children and fetuses are still being exposed unnecessarily to this neurotoxin," says father Christian McIlwain of Cary, North Carolina. "With the recently added recommendations that influenza vaccines be given to women during any stage of pregnancy and children from age six months and up, the amount of early-age thimerosal exposure through recommended vaccines has increased drastically in the last two years-it's time for the committee to advise that only thimerosal-free vaccines be used for pregnant women and children."

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Big TV night for autism, Extreme Home Makeover follows 60 Minutes

Ty Pennington may be able to cure autism with his smile. Has the same success rate as Chiropractic Treatment and Secretin

Sunday, February 18, 8/6c "Extreme Home Makeover" ABC

"O'Donnell Family" The only documented family in the U.S. with five autistic children will receive a much needed home. Country music star Trace Adkins performs at a benefit for the family.

When we watch television now, we expect to see families with children who have autism. How about you? Does it suprise you anymore to see children with autism on shows like "Extreme Home Makeover" or "Nanny 911?"

60 Minutes February 18, DIAGNOSIS AUTISM

DIAGNOSIS AUTISM: Latest Weapons are Early Detection and Treatment

Finally, a prime time news story about autism. No, wait, I think there was one on 20-20. And 48 Hours. And Dateline. And the View. And...

The difference may be that this story has the potential to get it right. Instead of focusing on how much it sucks to have a child with a pervasive developmental disorder. Instead of touting the latest cure or theory about how your child got autism in the first place.

Let's see if the program lives up to its tagline. "Early Detection and Treatment" are the best weapons.

UPDATE:

It's only Saturday (before the show airs) but if you visit the 60 Minutes site above, you will see that the "comments" are already bogged down in the vaccine debate. One comment bemoans that the show spends too much time on the reality of having a child with autism and not enough time on the theory that some kids with autism may have it as the result of poison in vaccines.

Autism agencies merge. May acquire Chrysler next.

Autism Speaks and Cure Autism Now Complete Merger

If you needed any more proof that it is big business to claim to speak for your child. What was once a parent led grassroots movement to get services for their kids is now a cut-throat business of one-upsmanship. Who will get the best celebrity spokesperson? Who will garner the most press mentions? Mostly these agencies claim to be seeking a cure. But guess what? There is no cure and even if there was, it's too late for your child. Why do we give these agencies money for "prevention" and giggle with glee when they show up on TV?