Jenny I loved your pregnancy book and the MTV show you were on, and Holly I still watch reruns of 21 Jumpstreet, it's the COOLEST!!

My two year old daughter doesn't have autism, but she has multiple severe food allergies. Food allergies have also been on the rise lately and there is a theory that it is also related to vaccines. Many vaccines contain egg, beef, dairy, soy food proteins and these aren't listed on the insert, you must call the manufacture to find out. The theory is that the vaccines introduce these food proteins so early to the infants immature system that, if there is any history of allergy in the family (hayfever, asthma, eczema, environmental or food allergies), then it's set into motion.

I also went through the same thing with pediatricians not listening. I knew my daughter had food allergies when I was breastfeeding and she was just a month old, but it wasn't until she was six months that I finally got a referral to see an allergist and found out the extent of it all.

Jenny, when you said vaccines I cried in relief that you just SAID IT!!!

Although my daughter never received the MMR or Chicken Pox vaccine due to her allergies and gelatin, she did have an anaphylactic reaction in the pediatrician's office after her final doses of DTaP, Comvax (Hib/Hep), and Prevnar (pneumococcal). I always have an Epi-Pen, but the doctors swooped in and gave her Epi, Benadryl, steroid shot, nebulizer and had us on an ambulance to the Children's Hospital for observation. I had had a bad feeling about vaccines for months, which is why I had skipped all the 12 month and did these final does of just the ones she'd had multiple times at 15 months. Looking back she did get a rash after vaccines when she was younger but when I took her right back to the pediatrician's office she said it was my detergeant. I was naive and believed that my frangrance/dye free detergeant just started giving her problems right after her vaccines!! Now I know her immune system was just building up for the next time, for a bigger reaction.

When this happens and you fill out a Vaccine Adverse Reaction Report you will see a blank for "date of death". When I saw this I broke down,by filling out the report you know that they know the risks.

With VAERS you are compensated if your child suffers lifelong problems from the vaccines, paralysis, encephalitis etc.(this happens, and the Supreme Court has recognized it at least once that I know of), but with our case, since everything turned out fine, THANK GOD, I was just reminded with each bill, the vaccines, the ambulance, the hospital, of the day that I trusted the doctors, the system, the government on their recommendations for what was best for MY child, instead of trusting my own instincts. Never again.

It's worth noting also that the vaccine schedule in America is much different than in other countries. For example we were doing MMR in the late seventies and it hasn't been routine in Europe for that long. Is the U.S. the trial place for vaccine safety?

Thank you Oprah for doing this show, and thank you you Jenny and Holly for being so raw, honest, straight forward, and candid. Hopefully change is around the corner.

I watched your show last night on Tivo. I was a little upset by the way in which autism was discussed. The things that were so important to Jenny seemed so unimportant to me. I have a boy with autism who will be 5 in November. He is by no means recovered and watching her son on the tape--he is not recovered either. I will say that it looks like he is doing "amazingly well" as is my son. You can't cure autism--at least not now. And we should not stop looking for advances helping people with this spectrum disorder. Getting back to our sons. I'm a little tired of hearing how hard it is on the mothers. There are a lot of fathers out there that are doing all they can helping their sons/daughters to cope. It's not about the mothers or the fathers really. It is about the children and their fear. There is a window of opportunity and it is all about helping the child. Not about dating---sure go ahead and date--but that should be the least of your worries when your child needs you as much as a child with autism does. My son does not exhibit one digestive problem or allergy that would lead me to believe that I have to take him off foods that make him even more different than the NT kids. The diet isn't what is "recovering" your child. The behavior therapy and exposure to as many good people as possible, is what is helping your child. I've met a lot of people who take advantage of families who are dealing with autism. However, I've also met many more people who have devoted their lives to helping these kids that are amazing human beings. We need to expose them more to the general public. I strongly believe in the "mommy instinct" but come on....we are not doctors. We owe it to our children to find the best people to help them. We don't have the years of training it takes to study the chemistry of foods, behavior modification, neurology, immunology (I can go on forever) to determine the best course of action. I was the only one who knew early on that "something was different". I want to see a show where people aren't blaming it on the mmr. I want to see non-celebrity moms and dads who are quietly fighting a battle. Who don't care that their lives have changed forever, who know that their child is in front of them and we have to get in, we don't have to bring them out. I admire Ms. Robinson Peete's remark about we as a society learning how to reach and educate these kids. Our world will be a much nicer place. I'm so proud of my little boy and all he has accomplished. He works harder than anyone else I know. I'm proud that he has autism. I just want him to stop being so afraid.

I am the mother of two 5 yo boys whom we adopted at 6.5 months and 10 months from South Korea. They are 7 months apart in age and not biologically related. Both were healthy referrals. Both have autism and multiple allergies to wheat, corn, soy, barley, oats, rye, all nuts, etc. etc.. We are on the GF diet and have noticed some changes. We also do neurodeveIopmental work through the Northwest Neurological Training Center in Portland, Oregon which is 12 hours from our home. In the past our boys never slept in their own room and through the night and within 10 days of starting with neuro work our boys were sleeping through the night. It was a miracle. Teachers have also noticed a big difference in our boys ability to regulate themselves, stay on task, etc. I know many families who have had success with neuro.

I would like autism specialists to look into the role that trauma has on developing brains. Adoption is a form of trauma esp. when one considers that our children who come to us have a totally different past with different social cues, diets, smells, language, etc. Dr. Alan Schore has done some amazing work on what happens to the brain when a child experiences trauma. I think brain trauma whether physical or mental is something that must be considered in autism.

I would also like to say that I think it is a travesty how children with autism get better/worse treatment hence opportunities based on their parents insurance coverage or their ability to private pay. The cost of autism to society and to families is enormous but the costs are even higher when children are not getting the treatments that they need to allow them to become the best that they can be. I have seen so many cases, where because of the lack of financial resources, children and their families do not get what they need. This is just plain wrong in a society such as ours.

Thank you Jenny, Holly and Oprah for bringing this subject to the forefront of America's collective consciousness. And for those reading who don't have autistic children, the next time you see a mother in a store whose child is "acting different" and maybe having a hard time following directions, please do not assume that the parent is negligent. Those of us with autistic kids are working harder day in and day out with our children than most people could ever imagine to give the best possible opportunities to our kids. Being a parent to an autistic child is very challenging but it is also rewarding.

Thanks,
Cheryl

I just wanted to thank Jenny and Holly for going on the show yesterday. Both my sister and I will be buying Jenny's book this week. I applaud you for following your Mommy instinct. I really hate how the medical field tend to make mothers feel stupid. Thank you both again for standing up for your children and opening the eyes of more people to autism. Belinda

Jenny, Thank you for your book and participation on the show, I could really relate with you!! I do not have a child with Austim, my 8-year daughter has no diagnosis; she's blind, non-verbal and has no mobility, but like you I know that there are answers out there and it's my job to find them. My daughter is such a blessing, she's absolutely amazing. We've tried all sorts of therapies, diets, etc - "no stone unturned" is what my husband calls it. The quest continues! I just wanted to express my appreciation for your stepping out and saying what so many other moms like us have been saying, the fight can get pretty lonely sometimes. God bless! Karin

Hi Jenny and Holly,

I had my first child 5 1/2 months ago. A little boy named Adrian Michael. Even before I gave birth, I kept stumbling upon

women's stories (including Holly's) about their child suddenly developing autism right after their MMR shots. As I'm sure you understand, I became increasingly more concerned with every new story. Jenny, I read Belly Laughs while I was prego and loved it. You did a wonderful job bringing me into your pregnancy, so when I heard that Evan had been diagnosed, I felt a personal sorrow. I'm so thankful to you and Holly for publicly speaking up about this and your belief on the cause. I can't understand why they would put a mercury based substance in our children when everyone knows that mercury is harmful. When we went for Adrian's 4 mo shots, I asked our doctor about it. She assured me that their shots did not contain that preservative and that the sudden onset of Autism is "just the nature of the disease". That put my mind at ease (sort of) but now I am seriously considering NOT giving Adrian the MMR shot. If the odds are 1 in 94 boys will be diagnosed with Autism, I would like to know the odds of my child coming down with Measles, Mumps or Rubella. Would you happen to know the answer? If you had to do it again, would you have vaccinated your children? Even though I have another year before the MMR, something keeps telling me NOT to do this...Am I paranoid and hypersensitive because of all the talk or should I listen to myself? Is this the "mommy instinct" you're talking about??? I wish you both the best of luck and please know there are so many moms (and dads) out there who truly appreciate your candidness about this topic. Thank you for being the voice for so many parents out there!!

Sincerely,

Adria Baker

Hi Holly and Jenny, I have a 5 month old son and am very nervous about vaccinations. What are my options with immunizations? Can they be spread out more so they aren't getting them all at one time? Now that the thimerasol was removed from the vaccinations, do you still think they could be linked to Autism. Thanks for speaking out about this!

Jenny and Holly~

I have a story of hope for the two of you. All though my husband hasn’t been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome there is no doubt in my mind that he has Aspergers. I looked up the diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome on Google after a friend of mine with a child with Aspergers asked if my husband had the same syndrome, and he fits the diagnosis to a T. Because he’s never been diagnosed he’s not fully aware why he’s “different.” I just wanted to point out that not only is he married he’s also very successful at his job. He works for a major internet company and he LOVES his job. I’m not saying that it’s been a breeze or anything but I just wanted to give you hope. There are women out there that love men for who they are and so what if they are a little “strange” to other people. Your sons can live successful happy lives!

Not only do I hope I gave you a little hope for your sons, but you also opened my husband’s eyes. For the first time after watching this show he has acknowledged that he may have a form of Autism. He’s gone through life thinking that he’s strange and weird and he never thought he was going to get married because he’s been told that he’s different. I couldn’t imagine going through life thinking there’s something wrong with me. Now the lines of communication are open for me to start talking to him about Aspergers, and maybe get some help.

Lots of Love!

Dear Jenny,
First off, I'd like to just thank you for what you're doing, you are an amzing person with a heart of gold. I have a question that I cant seem to get answered by anyone. I have a beautiful 2 month old baby girl who is due to get her MMR shot at 12-15 months. I know you said you started seeing changes in Evan shortly after that vaccine. Should I space them out and have her take the measles vaccine one month, than the mumps and than the rubella? OR would you advise me to stay away from it all? I heard you on the show say that you wish you knew then what you know now. What would you have done differently? Would you have spaced them out or not given it to him at all? Please give me your advise, it's very important to me. Thank you so much. By the way, thanks for writing "belly laughs" and "baby laughs", you've made tough times be hysterical

Jenny and Holly,

I am pregnant with baby #3, due in March. My question is what should I do about vaccinations when this baby is born? I was concerned with the MMR shot when my daughter received it, but was informed that there was no link with Autism (ha ha ha). Knock on wood, she and my son do not have symptoms. However, it is a GREAT concern of mine. What do I do??? I know that it is important for kids to receive immunizations, but should I request they be started at a specific age?? Can I even request that??

Many thanks,
Kathy, 34
Oregon

Hi Jenny and Holly
Thank you so much for coming out and sharing your stories with us. My son is 10 1/2 months old, he is due for his MMR once he turns 12 months I am so scared about vaccinated him, can I decline the MMR, delay it for at least another year, or space them out, what are my options. If I cut out dairy, and wheat, what diet do you suggest.

Thank you
Kathy

From the Coalition for SafeMinds A majority of the flu vaccines in the 2007-2008 season will contain the mercury-based preservative called 'Thimerosal'. Thimerosal has been linked in animal research to autism. Additionally, research has recently linked Thimerosal to heart disease and Alzheimer's disease. Top Ten Reasons to Avoid Getting a Mercury-based Flu Vaccine this winter: 1. Avoid injecting mercury into your body. Everyone knows how dangerous mercury can be to your health but very few know that it is a common ingredient used in flu vaccines. A majority of flu vaccines this winter contain a preservative called 'thimerosal' that contains mercury, the third most toxic substance on earth 2. Protect yourself from heart disease. Ohio State University researchers published in May 2007 that Thimerosal activates an enzyme that causes plaque build-up in the arteries which has been linked to heart disease and heart attacks. 3. Reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease. A scientific paper to be published later this year will describe tests showing that mercury in the laboratory causes the same brain abnormalities found in Alzheimer's disease. 4. Play the odds. An American has less than a 1 in 150,000 of dying from the flu. An American is far more likely to develop heart disease, Alzheimer's, or autism, all of which have been linked to mercury toxicity. 5. Stay healthy this winter. The mercury in flu shots can impair your immune system, making you more vulnerable to infections. Good hand washing and avoiding those who have the flu are the safest ways to stay healthy this winter 6. Prevent your body from becoming a hazardous waste storage site. According to EPA guidelines the flu vaccines contain 250 times the amount of mercury that is defined as hazardous waste. And unused flu vaccine at the end of the flu season must be shipped back to the manufacturer to be disposed of as a hazardous waste. 7. Take control of your own health while the government agencies debate. The Surgeon General's office recommended removal of Thimerosal from childhood vaccines in 1999. The CDC has not yet followed the Surgeon General recommendation regarding flu vaccines. The NIH reported to Congress in 2006 that there were serious flaws with the statistical evidence used by the CDC to support their position. 8. Avoid an unproven and possibly unsafe health treatment. The British Medical Journal reported last October that the evidence from a comprehensive review of flu vaccine studies shows that the flu vaccine has little or no benefit, and also that little comparative evidence exists on the safety of these vaccines 9. Prevent toxic overload. Thimerosal is a particularly toxic form of mercury because it blocks the process used by the body to get rid of mercury and also other toxins. One dose of Thimerosal could push a person past a 'toxic tipping point'. 10. Don't be one of the last Americans to take a mercury-based flu vaccine. Seven states have banned Thimerosal from most vaccines, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed an amendment in July that prevents taxpayer money from being used in 2008 to administer mercury-based flu shots to young children. It is only a matter of time before Thimerosal is banned from all vaccines. Think about this when you read Yahoo's news story about getting flu shots this year.....

Jenny I loved your pregnancy book and the MTV show you were on, and Holly I still watch reruns of 21 Jumpstreet, it's the COOLEST!! My two year old daughter doesn't have autism, but she has multiple severe food allergies. Food allergies have also been on the rise lately and there is a theory that it is also related to vaccines. Many vaccines contain egg, beef, dairy, soy food proteins and these aren't listed on the insert, you must call the manufacture to find out. The theory is that the vaccines introduce these food proteins so early to the infants immature system that, if there is any history of allergy in the family (hayfever, asthma, eczema, environmental or food allergies), then it's set into motion. I also went through the same thing with pediatricians not listening. I knew my daughter had food allergies when I was breastfeeding and she was just a month old, but it wasn't until she was six months that I finally got a referral to see an allergist and found out the extent of it all. Jenny, when you said vaccines I cried in relief that you just SAID IT!!! Although my daughter never received the MMR or Chicken Pox vaccine due to her allergies and gelatin, she did have an anaphylactic reaction in the pediatrician's office after her final doses of DTaP, Comvax (Hib/Hep), and Prevnar (pneumococcal). I always have an Epi-Pen, but the doctors swooped in and gave her Epi, Benadryl, steroid shot, nebulizer and had us on an ambulance to the Children's Hospital for observation. I had had a bad feeling about vaccines for months, which is why I had skipped all the 12 month and did these final does of just the ones she'd had multiple times at 15 months. Looking back she did get a rash after vaccines when she was younger but when I took her right back to the pediatrician's office she said it was my detergeant. I was naive and believed that my frangrance/dye free detergeant just started giving her problems right after her vaccines!! Now I know her immune system was just building up for the next time, for a bigger reaction. When this happens and you fill out a Vaccine Adverse Reaction Report you will see a blank for "date of death". When I saw this I broke down,by filling out the report you know that they know the risks. With VAERS you are compensated if your child suffers lifelong problems from the vaccines, paralysis, encephalitis etc.(this happens, and the Supreme Court has recognized it at least once that I know of), but with our case, since everything turned out fine, THANK GOD, I was just reminded with each bill, the vaccines, the ambulance, the hospital, of the day that I trusted the doctors, the system, the government on their recommendations for what was best for MY child, instead of trusting my own instincts. Never again. It's worth noting also that the vaccine schedule in America is much different than in other countries. For example we were doing MMR in the late seventies and it hasn't been routine in Europe for that long. Is the U.S. the trial place for vaccine safety? Thank you Oprah for doing this show, and thank you you Jenny and Holly for being so raw, honest, straight forward, and candid. Hopefully change is around the corner.

Thank you for sharing your stories in an effort to bring more awareness to all of us on autism. I am a grandmother of 3 children. My boy/girl twins both had daughters born just 8 days apart in May. One of the babies is doing all the things a normal healthy 4 month old baby does, despite breathing problems right after birth and then extreme problems with reflux disease by 1 month. However, it is the other baby I am worried about. This baby had no problems at birth nor has had any problems since birth, except for chronic constipation. The troublesome things we are seing in her are very obvious: she is showing very little interest in the world around her, has trouble with any kind of eye contact, does not coo and only wants to eat, suck on her pacifier, and sleep. She has very little expression in her face or body - almost like there is nobody in there, and she only rarely smiles. I know each baby develops at thier own speed (my own twins developed totally different, so I get that) and I should not compare the two of them, but when we have both of them together, the differences in development, awareness, interest in what's going on around them and their abilites is so pronounced. I worked many years with children with disabilities - autism included, and cannot help but wonder if she is showing beginning signs of autism already. The pediatrician has not mentioned that she is developing slowly, but my son and daughter-in-law are beginning to wonder what's going on especially when they see the other baby doing all sorts of things. I have always been very careful not to give advise to my adult children unless they have asked for it. One part of me feels that eventually the baby will catch up and do fine, another part tells me to leave it to the pediatrician - he will realize something is not quite right. Then there's the gut part of me telling me to suggest they take her to a developmental specialist and find out. My questions are as follows: do you recognize any of the things I have told you about her, and if so, do you think she should be getting help yet? Also, how would you have done the vaccinations differently today knowing what you know? Greatly appreciate your insights in this situation. B. Pastika in Tampa