We have two healthy and happy children ages 3 1/2 and 16 months with another on the way... and decided because of SIDS and Austism, to postpone vaccinations for our childern. My advice to you would be to not give your child the MMR vaccination. We also got the "how stupid can you be" talk from our pediatrician, but honestly, when was the last time you heard of the mumps or measles being deadly? My kids are exposed to all kinds of childhood illnesses (oddly enough from children who have been vaccinated against them) and have yet to catch anything. I think it's because their immune systems are so well. Perhaps it's also because I nursed them both for over a year. This is just my opinion- but like Jenny said, use your mom instinct!!!!! We have it for a reason! Best of luck to you. May your child (children) be healthy and happy! God bless. Anne

I wrote earlier but I forgot to ask a question, my husband and I are about to put our 3 year old on the gluetein free diet (with the hope that we will finally hear his first words) but Iam a little worried and concerned that he will be angry and have an episode when not given the foods he is so used to eating like, cereal, pastas and other things. Any advice on what to give him to eat and make him forget about his favorites? Also we are trying to potty train him and I would love some advice on how he can let us know he has to go because he is showing signs of WANTING to be potty trained. I also would love to hear from any other mothers of autistic children( I was the one who posted to "LETTER FROM AUTISM") Iam wanting to learn from other mothers and also help other mothers.. Thanks so much again Jenny Holly and Oprah.. Sincerly Lisa email address pebbles3181@yahoo.com

There is a wealth of information at the Huffington Post which is available online - especially articles by David Kirby who is the author of Evidence of Harm. Kim Stagliano (sp?) also has some great autism articles on that site.

Hi Jenny and Holly,

Thank you for sharing your children and their journey with us today! And, Oprah, thank you for giving these amazing ladies your time and spotlight to connect with all of us! I have two children with Autism ages 7 and 5. We have seen over 35 different doctors, specialist & therapist over the last 51/2 years and we have "done it all" to recover our children -- it is working!

But, I have to say, I was most touched and nearly in tears over the candor between both of you, Jenny and Holly. Your connection was touching and a true reflection of so many of our stories. I think that we mom's have learned more from our network of girlfriends than any doctor, therapist, behavior consultant or teacher. Don't get me wrong, again, we have learned so much from our "teams" of professionals however, I would NEVER have gotten this far without my network of girlfriends. These girlfriends are mothers who have children with special needs. Although our children's needs may be different, their therapies are the same and that is our common thread. These are the mom's with whom we meet regularly and have three hour+ conversations (several times a week) or the woman you meet one time but, exchange information that changes your life forever. I feel the comfortable in this circle of friendship because we have permission to compare notes, measure progress, share, process and obsess about the questions that nobody can truly answer. These are the "girlfriends" the mothers of children with Autism and other special needs and I would be lost without them. When my daughter and son were diagnosed with Autism there was not a book written from the "girlfriends" perspective -- One book that tells different stories of women who tried different therapies, bio-medical approaches and lifestyles that worked for their children. These are the women who educated us through their experiences. I know you have this network because, quite frankly, that is all we really had 5 and ten years ago...each other. And I can tell that you have this type of a network and friendship with each other because it was so evident in your appearance with Oprah.

So, ladies, It would be sooo amazing to continue what you started today and write a book with your "girlfriends" stories. Unlike the other parenting books out there, this book would be a reflection of the world we all live in; our reality. Our children face all of the same issues that any child faces however, their behaviors are much higher in frequency and volume which makes our life so much more challenging; eating, sleeping, potty training, transitions, schooling, therapies ect... Again, all the same issues just behaviors that are higher in frequency and volume that make these passages very challenging. Through our girlfriends stories, you could welcome mothers with newly diagnosed children, to Holland, teach them our language, make them laugh a little, give them direction and change their lives forever. That is the type of a book that would have been a reflection of my reality six years ago.

Jenny, I thought about writing to you this summer with this book idea because I heard about your son and the advocacy work you have been doing. I think yours is the perfect voice for a book like this because, you would include the funny, CRAZY moments, too! We have all been shaped by the steadfast book that are out there but, reading many different stories in one book would feel like you just went to coffee with a seasoned network of girlfriends and learned from their experiences -- the good, bad, funny and ugly!

Best wishes to both of you and thank you for opening up this amazing conversation all across the United State tonight. You have done a GREAT service to parents everywhere! And I can't wait to read your new book, Jenny!! God Bless! - Kim (P.S. I also grew up on the South Side!)

Hi Jenny and Holly,

I watched your show last night and I just wanted to say think you for speaking on behalf of all of us families dealing with autism. I know this world very very well! I have 3 children Parker who just turned 4 and twins Presten and Keelie who are 21/2, all 3 of my children have autism. We are told our situation is unique in the way of all 3 with autism and fraternal twins different sexes having autism. Since thier dx my life has been a total flash of days with therapies, dr appt, class, and the most exciting govt appt. I don't remember what it is like to have nothing to think about or be worried about.
I would love to chat with you both when and if you have time, beacuse people NEED to understand us lives and our worlds.
My husband and I cant and don't do any family activities except loading up the kids in the car and driving to the mountains and back, beacuse we hate beening looked at and talked about as if we are bad parents lazy don't care or just rude to the people around us.
Once I get time in my life (haha) I would love to write a book or do public speaking about autism. I just don't want families in the future to have to endure all this pain and feeling hopeless. I have helped in fundraiser anytime I can, im a parent mentor and I am trying to get on the state council for the early intervention programs. There is just much that needs to be done with autism people don't know where to start. I know you both know everything I am talking about. I just hope people start to listen and understand us and our wonderful souls that we love soooo much.
I hope to hear from you both very soon,

Thanks,
Dani

I applaud both of you in your effort to bring this issue to the attention of the general population. The statistics are very alarming and only appear to be getting worse. On the show, you mentioned the need for physicians to take more time to listen to the mother's of children with autism and I could not agree more. Here is an idea for you. Awhile back Dr. Phil presented the story of a lady with multiple sclerosis. She was very frustrated with her level of care and the progress in terms of research. She brilliantly started an organization to bring medical professionals together so that there would be less duplication of research. Essentially she realized that if the physicians worked together, there is hope for a cure to be found more quickly. I think it would be absolutely brilliant to start a similar organization for all involved with autism. Obviously there is a lack of communication between medical professionals and the parents/caregivers who are hour-by-hour caring for their child with autism. The two of you are in a position of power to help thousands and I know you will do just that. You have probably been flooded with a ton of ideas and I truly hope all of them are useful for all involved. I wish you both the very best. I am happy to help with this organization should you wish to move forward with it. Sincerely, Gloria C.

Holy Cow Jenny I think you might have single handedly changed the future statistics for Autism in this country. I am so proud of you for stepping up to the plate and speaking out. I am 25 and am from Valley Springs, Ca. I live in a pretty conservative town that has plenty of people that rolling their eyes at me with any breath of a fungus or yeast discussions. I have done mounds of research on fungus and yeast and when I saw the preview for today's show I called my girlfriend and told her I'd be over tomorrow at 4..."We're watchin' Oprah!" I was really interested to see the direction you were going to go with "Autism." I was like a raiders fan with my face painted black sitting on the edge of my girlfriends couch waiting to see what you'd say. (When you become so passionate about natural health and the corruption of the Pharmaceutical industry, it becomes almost habit to expect some sort of propagandist B.S. to come out of the TV screen.) And when you said "Candida Cleanse" I shot straight up with goose bumps down my arms like the winning touchdown just happened... I was stoked. Thanks to Oprah and her amazing platform she provided for you and your amazing triumph I think huge things could come of today's show. You both are incredibly influential and I hope now I'll get a few less eyes rolled at my when I mention that I wont be vaccinating my children. Oh I forgot to mention...I don't have children yet and I don't know any children with Autism but I will be sure to tell everyone I know to buy your book. You are truly a blessing from God (at least in my eyes)! I am not sure how much research you have done, but for me it has taken many years to come to the point I am now and I know it is sooooo much to digest. If you are interested in discussing and sharing research on such topics as Fungus, Carcinogenic Fungus that grows on food, B vitamins/ Thermerosal, Probiotics, parasites, HEAVY METALS, Food that feeds yeast, products to clean up yeast/fungus ("The fog of the Brain"), On and On and On... I have lots to share Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for sharing with the world that we don't have to be scared of big business and we can take responsibility for our own Health! You are the bomb...and Oprah too! Dee Yates Valley Springs, Ca

It took me a while to find your post back, but I wanted to respond to you --

Dear brianrking,

Thank you for your beautiful response to a difficult show. My 17 year old son has autism. He is a beautiful unique individual, who has to live in a world that doesn't always understand him. I don't want to change him into something more 'normal' - I want to accept him and love him for who he is. I have four other children who do not have autism.

I understand how the ladies on the show feel - I felt that way too! I wanted to change my son, I wanted him to be different (to fit in with my idea of normal) and we spent a few horrible years - with my son confused and upset that he could not do or be what I wanted him to. When we accepted him and made changes ourselves to accomodate him, our lives took a turn for the better. I want my children to be happy and feel loved and accepted by the world around them. I worry that putting pressure on mothers to 'break their children out' of autism means raising a child who is autistic will make a mother feel like she failed in helping her child - she gave up and accepted the diagnosis instead of fighting.

If a child has dyslexia and needs special assistance to learn to read - a mother will fight to give him the help he needs, and work tirelessly at this. If despite all the help she gives and recieves for him he never learns to read, a mother accepts this and helps him to find success in this world in any other way she can. She celebrates the successes he has and accepts his different learning style.

I don't want to 'cure' my son. I want to work with him and for him to facilitate his learning and his growth to the best of his ability. I want him to be accepted for who he is, autism and all. If your child's autism is mild enough that with some ABA and other assistance he can attend conventional schools - that is a blessing for you. If your child's autism is severe and he is never able to learn to read, yet together you have found ways to communicate meaningfully - that is a blessing for you!

Thank you,
Bernadine Togeretz.

To others who may be reading this, Please -- be careful when attaching parental fierceness and strength to the capabilities of the child - this is unfair to many strong and fierce parents of children who cope daily with exceptionalities that are severe in nature.

I have never been so relieved to see the show yesterday. I tivo'd it and watched it when i was able. I had to pause it frequently to cry a little because everything Jenny talked about is what i am going through now.
My daughter Jaden will be 3 next month. I CAVED (after putting it off for a year) and got all her immunizations in December and January. (they gave her like 6 the first time and 5 the next time)....I too (like Jenny) told my doctor of my reservations about giving her all the shots and even mentioned autism...he assured me i was worried for nothing. I too (like Jenny) prayed while they were giving them to her "Please God, let me be making the right decision here....please don't let Jaden get autism". My daughter up to this point was a wonderful, happy little girl. Then came the severe screaming fits in February....fits that made my daughter look possessed. Her speech is very limited and she isn't learning new words. She's still on the bottle and i can't even think about potty training....everything is such a big deal with her now. After going through 2 different pediatricians (one of which prescribed Phenobarbitral, saying jaden was having seizures, even after an EEG came back normal)....i have finally found one that is listening to me. She referred me to some state funded organizations and Jaden is now starting Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Developmental Therapy. I don't know if Jaden is in the autism spectrum, but now i have a team of specialists (all FREE, thank God since my husband is self employed and we have no insurance)that are going to find out. They are ON MY SIDE and are going to get all the help i need to see what this is and what is causing her melt downs. I can't take her to the store with me anymore....i am holed up in my house everyday becuase a simple run to the grocery store can put Jaden in a tailspin. I do know that Jaden has many sensory issues. I bought your book last night online, Jenny. And i thank God Oprah had you on her show, and i thank God that you are giving us parents hope. We are the only ones who know our children. It's odd...i hadn't watched the ending of the show last night yet (Jaden makes it hard sometimes to watch anything, thank God for TIVO) and i told my husband several times "It's all my fault....i took her to get her shots and if she has autism, i caused it".....so i know the pain you feel over that decision. I just wanted to say thank you both for talking about this so frankly, and i am calling in all available resources to help Jaden. The resources i am using in case anyone wants to know is First Steps and JESSE Program (Join Education Services in Special Education). I live in Indiana and don't know if these org's are available in other states, but check it out.
I wish we could meet for coffee and talk for hours...i have so many questions but there's not enough room or time.
God Bless you both.
Kandy Thacker

Hi,

My son is 38. When he was a toddler, no one could tell me what was wrong. I now suspect it was at least partially autism. He spun the wheels on any thing that had a wheel. Did not play well with other children. Seemed to be in his own little world. His Pediatrician was wonderful. He supported all of my efforts to get the best for all of my children. He sent us to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Diagnostic Center.

There I learned a lot about John, but I also knew that they were wrong on many of their diagnostic conclusion. Mostly they thought I was the one needing a diagnosis. This was in the early 70's. No Internet. I went to the Library and read and read and read.

The book by the late Adele Davis, (I hope I remember this name correctly), on feeding healthy children became my Bible. I took all additives, dye, & coloring out of John's diet. I went to the grain mill down town to get Graham and other flours to make all of the baked items that he would get to eat. We raised vegetables with out artificial fertilizers bought fresh fruit & vegetables from farmer's markets. I eliminated cow dairy. He drank brown soymilk it looked awful, but he did better.

<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]-->At the Pediatrician's suggestion, I scheduled John's day so there were no surprises for him to deal with. I got on the floor and played with him so he would have a better idea about what toys would do besides spin. I taught him to take a nap. Because he did not recognized, tired or sleepy. I removed distracting items from our home.

<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]-->As time passed John was better. My 2 daughters were never given food with additives, dye or coloring. They did not develop any of the problems. Is that why I do not know?
<!--[endif]-->
Most of the adults in my life at the time truly thought I was a complete nut case. I was over protective, I over mothered, over stimulated, too protective... Now I know I did the very best I knew how for my children.

<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]-->Years passed. Children grew. John has more friends than anyone I know. He's married. Has a wonderful wife and 2 children. Their son has many of the problems John had, but many that are different. Jackson, John's Son, is being diagnosed now. The best guess is that at least part of the problem is autism. I am sick at heart, but Jackson is doing better.

<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]-->Mother's there is hope and a light for your child. John sells high priced imported used cars. He is really good at it. He loves selling cars. He is a computer geek. He can fix anything. He does not have enough hours in the day to repair all of the items he receives request to work on.

<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]-->He has near perfect pitch and right out of high school he installed and balance stereo systems for expensive cars. He was in great demand for this talent.

<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]-->This is the child that more than one doctor told me to put in a home and forget about.

<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]-->Never give up!!!! Try everything you can find to help your child. If one thing does not work for your child try something else, try everything else. Your child will know you are doing what you can. It will mean more than you will know for at least 20 years. Nothing is too much to do.

<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->

I just ordered 2 Jenny McCarthy's book. One for me and one for Jackson's Mother.

<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]-->Thank you Jenny and Holly for being brave enough to help publicize the need for help with autism.
God bless you for using you private burden for such a wonderful public cause.

<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]-->

Deanna W

Hello ladies,
I salute you on your mission to unravel the causes and effects of Autism. My son, Phillip, is on that Autism Spectrum; he has been diagnosed with high functioning Asperger's Syndrome. My story is practically the same as yours. When he turned 18 months old, I noticed a tremendous change in him; he had all the classic signs; the only problem was this was 15 years ago and no one knew what was wrong. The doctors said he would grow out of it, people told me he had a "behavior" problem... but, I knew there was something wrong and I always felt that it had to do with his MMR shots.
I took Phillip to The Callier Center for Communication Disorders here in Dallas, Texas and had him tested - he was 4 years old at the time. While he scored extremely high on non-verbal skills (puzzles, picture problems, etc..), he scored on a 10 year old level... his verbal scores were very low. At the time the doctors did not know what "label" to place on him, so they put him in the PDD catagory, Pervasive Development Disorder.
We decided, along with the doctor's suggestion, to put Phillip in Early Childhood Training in our local Elementary. Our school district was just learning about Autism and the Spectrum and were doing everything they could to educate and support parents and professionals. I believe to this day, if it were not for this program, Phillip would not be where he is in his life right now.
I could go on and on about the progress my son has made over the years... he was placed in regular classroom by the 2nd grade, he is an Honor Student, he plays the violin, he played football (of all things) for two years in Jr. High School, he was in Orchestra for 2 years in High School and he now is currently in Drama/Theater and his PASSION (not obssession - don't like that word) is the movies and animation and TV. He can tell you just about anything you want to know about any genre of movie or TV show, actors and actresses... he probably knows a lot about you two and Oprah! He is a big fan of the SCREAM movies.. ha!

Anyway, I just wanted to encourage you both and others who have small children with Autism... It was always a concern of mine when Phillip was young, what he would be like when he was older.. a teenager... would he fit in? Would he be able to make friends? I'm here to tell you that Phillip is thriving beyond my wildest dreams... he has friends, he's an honor student, he's won awards, been in sports, done it all... he wants to go to college and become a Director/Animator and I believe it will happen.
It's a very strange disorder and I pray that there is some sort of breakthrough soon... it breaks my heart that this has continued all these years... I agree that the "professionals" need to listen to what the mothers and fathers are saying about their children and look at the whole picture.
God bless you both and thank you Oprah for bringing Autism to the forefront!

Connie from Texas

Hi Jenny, In the midst of all these posts, I just want to tell you how gfreat it is that you are doing this, and helping so many people... I read both your books belly laughs and baby laughs, and I love your "tell it like it is" style and humor. I will definitely buy this one too....I am 33 and I live in Huntington Beach CA, and my son is 18 months old now, he had a febrile seizure and stopped breathing this past July, which scared the daylights out of us....since then he seems to be doing great, but your story touched my heart and definitely made me more aware of signs to look out for....love you girl, keep it up!!! Monique

I believe there is a link to Autism and vaccinations. With 14 vaccinations given to a baby under 1 year old how can there not be side effects for such a small body? If you look at what is in the vaccines to begin with, like mercury, they go to the brain as well as the rest of the body and leave an imprint. And just when they've been given one and start to deal with it in their body, they are given the next, it is an overload for the body, too much to handle. Only 40 percent of doctors vaccinate their own children because they themselves know what side effects can happen. It is also a fact that the more doctors vaccinate the larger their check is. In the end it is a system that works on money and not health. Most of the vaccinations are not even vital, if you eat right then your immune system is stronger instead of having chemicals put in you. CDC says these are vital, so everyone follows out of fear thinking they don't want their child to get that disease, but they can get a brain disease if they get it, and the doctors aren't raising the child, you are. More discussions have to be voiced with long term effects of vaccinations publicly, to make parents aware of what is in them and how likely it is to get the disease they say it is preventing. We are over vaccinating unnecessarily in the US, and it is doing more harm than good. I am happy that you have raised this issue, there needs to be more understanding doctors, who talk with their patients, not at them forcing them to take vaccines and not telling both sides of the medication.

I work in a pediatric office and the same thing is said to my patient's that there is no risk with the MMR vaccine. I have 3 children and they have a gotten the MMR. My youngaest is 13 months and I was very scared with getting it because it concerned me how many parnets question this vaccine. Which got me into researching but it's still not clear to me. I'm pregnant at the moment and I know that these thought's are going to be concerning to me once again. Do you know if giving the M