Comments on: Wakefield’s folly felt in US http://autism-news-beat.com/archives/845 An evidence-based resource for journalists Sun, 22 Apr 2012 18:57:21 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Steve http://autism-news-beat.com/archives/845/comment-page-1#comment-7765 Steve Sun, 07 Mar 2010 06:23:43 +0000 http://autism-news-beat.com/?p=845#comment-7765 I was in the UK at the time of Wakefield's study. Sadly, the British press lept on this and Wakefields claims became popular. Even Tony Blair (UK PM) became embroiled in the arguement as the media pressured an answer about the PM youngest son. As he wouldn't deny or confirm on his family's health decisions, the media fed information which caused a dilema. Interestingly, single shots were available at a financial cost. For the record my kids (one 5yr with ASD and one 4yr non-ASD). Both had vaccinations at that time. I think any material which finds its way into children and causes disability will come under public scrutiny. Whether injected, eaten, sniffed or touched. Unfortunately, autism is complex and has ignited popular interest, a recipe for a complex answer. I was in the UK at the time of Wakefield’s study. Sadly, the British press lept on this and Wakefields claims became popular. Even Tony Blair (UK PM) became embroiled in the arguement as the media pressured an answer about the PM youngest son. As he wouldn’t deny or confirm on his family’s health decisions, the media fed information which caused a dilema. Interestingly, single shots were available at a financial cost.
For the record my kids (one 5yr with ASD and one 4yr non-ASD). Both had vaccinations at that time.

I think any material which finds its way into children and causes disability will come under public scrutiny. Whether injected, eaten, sniffed or touched. Unfortunately, autism is complex and has ignited popular interest, a recipe for a complex answer.

]]> By: Bill http://autism-news-beat.com/archives/845/comment-page-1#comment-7604 Bill Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:37:39 +0000 http://autism-news-beat.com/?p=845#comment-7604 I found this a sad testament to the immediate impact that this debate has had on the health of not only kids in the UK, but also the US. Unfortunately, I'm sure it will be some time until there is enough definitive information to support Wakefield's claim. Even then, I doubt everyone will accept the verdict, no matter what it is. I found this a sad testament to the immediate impact that this debate has had on the health of not only kids in the UK, but also the US. Unfortunately, I’m sure it will be some time until there is enough definitive information to support Wakefield’s claim. Even then, I doubt everyone will accept the verdict, no matter what it is.

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