Government concedes vaccines exacerbated girl's autism

JumpInTheFire · #1 (**permalink**) 03-10-2008, 11:49 PM

Sources:

Government concedes vaccines exacerbated girl's autism - Las Vegas - MSNBC.com

http://www.youtube.com/v/aV2WVbXEFWY...olor2=0x6b8ab6

Quote:

It is being called a landmark decision by some. Government officials have ruled childhood vaccines exacerbated a rare disorder in a 9-year-old girl and caused the symptoms of autism.

The government says data does not show a direct link between vaccines and autism, but many are watching this case closely.

As she shared a hug with a loved-one, Hannah Poling was also making history. "It is gratifying to finally have a court agree her injury was caused by vaccination," Hannah's father, Jon Poling, said.

Government health officials have conceded that childhood vaccines contributed to Hannah's autism by aggravating a rare mitochondrial disorder. It is the first time the government has admitted the possibility of a link between vaccines and autism.Yet they maintain that the data does not prove vaccines cause autism directly.

Experts warn Hannah's case is rare and may well be an exception rather than a rule. "So you can't generalize and say ok, now every child with a mitochondrial disorder is going to go through same thing that Hannah did," Dr. Jennifer Shu with the American Academy of Pediatrics explains.

There is still much that is unknown and more research to be done. But with some 5,000 five other cases currently in the justice system and millions of children being vaccinated, it is a case being watched closely.

Hannah's parents say they are not against vaccines "We are absolutely pro-vaccine. What we want is pro-safe vaccine," Hannah's mom, Terry, said. However, they fear their heartache may be shared by many other families. "We don't think our story is as unique as many people would lead you to believe," said Jon Poling.

It will now be up to the courts to decide how many other cases are truly like Hannah's, but many feel this little girl has already changed this debate forever.

One in every 150 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and that number is still growing. Advocates in Nevada are making big strides to help those families...

ACON, The Autism Coalition of Nevada, is one united voice for families in Nevada living with autism. Autism advocate Ralph Toddre started the group last year. He is also the president of Sunbelt Communications Company, the parent company of News 3.