Vaccines or Autism: Which came first?Norma Erickson, Contributor The autism spectrum[1] is a complex developmental disorder that affects how a person behaves, interacts with others, communicates, and learns. There is no clearly defined set of symptoms, no known cause, few effective treatments, and no known cure. A diagnosis of autism presents the equivalent of a life sentence without parole to the victim and their family. Parents of those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders have fought for decades to get someone to look for causes, treatments, and cures while medical authorities and government health officials exhibited behavior ranging from apparent lack of concern to antagonism toward the victims and their families. What is wrong with this picture? Over the last 30 years, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in the United States has exploded from 1 in 10,000 to a staggering 1 in 88.[2] ASD includes a wide range of complex neurodevelopment disorders which vary significantly in character and severity. Autism spectrum disorders occur in all ethnic and socioeconomic groups and affect every age group.[3] A study published by Harvard School of Public Health in 2006[4], says the cost of caring for one person with autism over the course of his or her lifetime is about $3.2 million. Can anything be done to help these 46,000 children and their families? Perhaps there is hope on the horizon. According to the committees mission statement, 29 November 2012, this committee held a hearing (1 in 88 Children: A Look Into the Federal Response to Rising Rates of Autism) to get a clearer picture of what is being done, what questions still need to be answered and what needs exist for those children, adults and families who live with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. After sworn testimony by representatives from the National Institute of Health and the CDC was presented to the panel, Rep. Darrell Issa, Chairman of the U.S. House Oversight Government Reform Committee, opened with a question thousands of parents have been asking for decades, The best answer he could obtain from the experts was that it (autism) probably existed before, just no one noticed the pattern. Consider the following issues discussed during the hearing: The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee members are absolutely right! Medical consumers throughout the United States deserve answers to all of these questions and more. These legislators should be congratulated for their efforts to make sure the problem of autism is examined from all angles. How can you help? This committee wants to hear from you. This committee needs to hear from you. They are holding the testimony open for 7 days from the date of the hearing so families affected by autism and advocacy organizations have an opportunity submit statements that will be included in the final record. If you are concerned about the rapid rise in autism spectrum diagnoses, please visit this site. You can listen to the entire oral testimony, access written transcripts, and submit your comments via this page. Your government representatives are providing an opportunity for you to voice your concerns. If your family has been affected by autism, tell your story. If you are a medical professional treating the autistic, explain how autism affects your medical practice. If you represent a group that works with the autistic, submit your testimony. The choice is yours be a part of the solution, or be a part of the problem. If you wish to contact any members of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, the membership list is here. The SaneVax Team would also encourage you to contact your local, state and federal elected representatives. Make sure they are aware of just how critical the autism epidemic is to the communities they represent. Ask them to join the effort to obtain answers before it is too late. References: 