[TrebleRebel]

I would still be interested in some more indepth information re: the method of diagnosis. Are they referring to all diagnoses on the autism spectrum? Or are they referring to more involved levels of autism? This could also be the result of heightened awareness amongst parents, educators, and diagnosticians.

This is very interesting.

[Petronski]

This could also be the result of heightened awareness amongst parents, educators, and diagnosticians.

That'd be my bet.

[luckystarmom]

There is one area in New Jersey that has very high rates of autism compared to other parts of the country.

I'm in a online group of parents that have speech problems. Many of the parents have autistic kids and are from that area. They suspect that it may be some sort of environmental or chemcial factor, but so far the increase cannot be explained.

I think the cause of autism is not known, and there needs to be more research. Some people think it is caused by vaccine, but so far no one can explain it. Very strange.

[ImphClinton]

No. That is not possible. Autism is deffinately increasing in America. It is most likely caused by a drug used to preserve vacines prior to their use. This drug is known to have this as a side effect yet the government continues to use it claiming it only causes it in 1 in a million children. Just like they used to say Prozac only caused impotence in 1% of patients (that figure is now 10%).

Now I do not know which is the bigger danger. Vacines are certinally necessary. However the drug is much worse when the shots are done all at once. If the DPT were done in three shots a month apart children would be much safer yet schools often require they be received together.

If you have children do all you can to make sure they receive no more than one shot per month. Make sure they receive no combination shots expecially when under three.

[BADROTOFINGER]

Method of diagnosis? How about this...

Crat #1, "He seems to be acting odd..."

Crat #2, "We could say he has autism and get an extra $8000 from the federal government."

Crat #1, "Autism it must be then. Tragic."

Any questions?
JFK