Halt soaring autism rates

In Peter J. Hotez and Rosalynn Carter’s op-ed commentary, “Autism act best hope for curing disorder” (BDN, Aug. 18), they severely criticize a “group … who claim a link between autism and the thimerosal preservative contained in many vaccines.” As one who fits into that group, I would like to respond.

The current autism spectrum epidemic (Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome) is crying out for attention. I am a Special Education teacher with more than 20 years of experience and I am seeing the epidemic firsthand.

In 1993, Maine had only 37 children identified as “autistic.” In 2000, Maine’s Department of Education listed 594 children in the autism category. In 2005, the number alarmingly increased to 1,473. This staggering increase is seen in the national numbers as well. Nationally, in 1980, one out of 10,000 children had autism. In 2004, this had increased to one out of 166.

David Kirby in his book, “Evidence of Harm,” presents a convincing argument of the link between the increase in the number of recommended vaccines and the increase in incidence of autism spectrum disorders. Only three vaccines were recommended in 1980. That number was increased to 22 by 1999. Vaccines began to be recommended at earlier ages and often in multiple doses given on the same day. Some of these vaccines contained thimerosal, a preservative containing ethyl mercury.

Thimerosal was first introduced in 1931 and later grandfathered as an acceptable “medicinal additive”. It did not receive the rigorous testing that we have come to expect. Mercury is a known toxin and even in small amounts can cause neurological harm, especially in developing brains. It can accumulate in the body. Kirby links the usage of thimerosal in the vaccines with the alarming increase of autism spectrum disorders.

Thankfully, the FDA recommended in 1999 that thimerosal should be phased out of the regular childhood vaccines. However, the influenza vaccine that Maine currently recommends for pregnant women and 6-month-old infants still contains thimerosal unless a particular doctor has made other arrangements. There are thimerosal-free vaccines available but many of those doses go to the states that have enacted laws requiring them to use the thimerosal-free doses, if they are available. Some of the states that have enacted such laws are Iowa, Missouri, Delaware, New York and California. A few months ago, Maine had a similar bill but it did not survive the committee process.

The Aug. 18 commentary insinuates that people who advocate for thimerosal-free vaccines are anti-vaccine. This is not the case. I am a strong supporter of vaccines but I do think it would be prudent if Maine purchased flu vaccines without the 12.5 micrograms of thimerosal, when such vaccines are available. I want the federal government to pressure manufacturers to increase the supply. My understanding is that such vaccines would cost a dollar more, a cost I think most parents would pay to keep the thimerosal containing ethyl mercury from being injected into their little ones’ arm.

Hotez and Carter’s editorial also states that autism is a genetic condition whereas the Autism Society of America describes it as a developmental disorder that is the result of a neurological disorder. The different definitions have vast implications. If thimerosal was proven as a contributing factor to the current autism epidemic, think of the financial incentives to suppress or steer away from such information! It would make the tobacco lawsuit settlements look like pocket-change. Currently, there are many thimerosal lawsuits languishing in the federal vaccine court where, by law, all vaccine lawsuits are referred.

By describing autism as primarily a genetic disorder the complexity of the current research is not adequately accounted for, though potential pharmaceutical financial liability is reduced. Research points in the direction that genetics is only a component of this complicated condition. It is suggested that some people with certain genetic make-ups may eliminate mercury more poorly than others. It is further postulated that these individuals are contributing to the huge increase in children with an autism spectrum disorder. Is the genetic makeup of the individual causing the disorder? Or is it that mercury is traumatizing otherwise healthy genes? More hard science is needed, science that is not tainted by collusion between governmental agencies and for-profit pharmaceutical companies.

The autism statistics as well as the amazing statistic that one in six American children has a developmental disorder do not represent numbers to me. This situation is about real children with real potential and acute challenges, children who have individual feelings from loving homes who deal with daunting obstacles. I admire their achievements and determination.

Autism should not be put on our parents’ and school systems’ shoulders alone. Our public health officials should be getting more involved. Our newspapers and community leaders need to play a greater role.

I applaud Rosalynn Carter and her intent to help autistic children and their families. We need to work together, in all of our communities, using all of our best efforts and resources to prevent the continuation of this epidemic. We need to provide treatment to this currently ever-growing population. The previous generation halted the growth of polio. Now we must halt the growth of autism.

Regina Creeley, of Hudson, teaches

special education at the J.A. Leonard Middle School in Old Town.