The Theory of the Day…

 

So, let me get this straight?! On national news they announce a possible connection between obese birth mothers and autism. Sounds like they’ve really researched this well right?! Not! Here’s the first troubling piece of fine print: “Although the study looked at obesity in the mothers, it lacks information on women’s diets and other habits during pregnancy that might have influenced fetal development.” Then we get: “Researchers say the study does not indicate cause and effect – and further research must be done to confirm the results.” Great, let’s announce it on national TV, blame the moms for giving their kids autism & then quietly whisper, oh by the way these are only preliminary results from a single limited study of only 1,000 California children. Why is it that everybody and their grandmother who has a theory as to what causes autism seems to be given a national platform without being asked to credibly & fully substantiate their findings with well documented scientific research?! I’m so sick of it…

 

 I have to be fully upfront and honest here and say that in my own personal opinion there has been overwhelming, credible, long term scientific research disproving a connection between autism and vaccines. I am a firm believer in vaccinating children, but also believe parents should have the option to spread out the schedule of vaccines. I do however, respect that others are fully entitled to their own opinions and thoughts on this issue. What I am tired of is the ease with which preliminary and limited studies like this are featured on national forums and somehow become accepted scientific fact. Much as I hope we can unlock the mystery of autism someday, I’d like to see a shift in priorities that begins to put serious effort into how we can best reach, teach, support and care for those with autism. Long term affordable housing that is safe, access to services, better educational opportunities and more. I believe that my daughter was born with autism. I don’t give a crap about Donald Trump’s opinion, which was also given national coverage, nor do I want to hear how Jenny McCarthy “cured” her son’s autism, but with no scientific evidence she too is given a national platform. All this does is muddy the waters of real, important dialogue that needs to be happening about how we can better serve those with autism and the families that love them.

 

Whose got a theory on that? And while we are at it, this mother wants you to know that she’s got enough on her plate. Matter of fact, my cup often runneth over into large puddles on the floor…  so you can keep your guilt, shame & blame to yourself.

« Autism Awareness… Gosling Style

Ryan Gosling Takes On Autism & Obesity… »