Study Finds No Link Between MMR Vaccine and Autism

The childhood measles-mumps-rubella vaccine does not raise the risk of developing autism, according to a new study. Researchers analyzed tissue biopsies taken from the bowels of kids with autism and gastrointestinal problems and compared them with age-matched children in a control group who had no developmental delays but were undergoing bowel biopsies because of gastrointestinal problems. The study, published online today in the journal PLoS One, investigated the theory that in children who receive the MMR vaccine, measles virus RNA could grow in the intestinal tract and cause inflammation, making the bowel more permeable and potentially causing the virus to travel to the central nervous system—where it might lead to the development of autism. But only one child out of 25 kids with autism and one of the 13 children in the control group showed slight levels of measles RNA.

Still, some parents of autistic children are not convinced. “This study addresses one hypothesis. This study, by itself, does not exonerate the role of all vaccines,” said Rick Rollens, the father of an autistic son and one of the founding members of the M.I.N.D. Institute at the University of CaliforniaDavis. “There are many biological mechanisms where environmental factors could present in the development of autism.”

Previously, U.S. News’s Bernadine Healy reported on the autism-vaccine link. In May, Nancy Shute explained why a study linking autism and schizophrenia—while scary on its face—was actually good news. Earlier, Shute reported on evidence dismissing the link between vaccines and autism.

Report: BPA Poses ‘Some Concern’

A new report from the federal government’s National Toxicology Program finds that exposure to bisphenol A, or BPA, poses “some concern” for potential behavioral effects and possible impact on development of the brain and prostate gland in infants, fetuses, and children. BPA is a chemical used in many consumer products like baby bottles, certain reusable water bottles, and even containers for canned foods. The report is based on a review of scientific literature and also considers public and professional comment on the issue. What consumers should do in response to the report’s findings is not clear. “Unfortunately, it is very difficult to offer advice on how the public should respond to this information,” Michael Shelby, director of the NTP’s Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction, said in a statement. “More research is clearly needed to understand exactly how these findings relate to human health and development, but at this point we can’t dismiss the possibility that the effects we’re seeing in animals may occur in humans. If parents are concerned, they can make the personal choice to reduce exposures of their infants and children to BPA.”

A separate study found that BPA exposure may cause health problems in monkeys. U.S. News offers tips on how to avoid contact with BPA and provides a list of resources for locating BPA-free products. And Adam Voiland describes why products containing phthalates are also a concern and gives advice for how to avoid exposure to those chemicals.

By Matthew Perrone | The Associated Press

11:54 AM EDT, September 3, 2008

 

Belly time is an activity that is not only vital, but one of the most exciting times in raising your child. You get to witness so many first time experiences, and watch them grow and develop right in front of your eyes.

Even though this seems pretty easy to do, there are some important things to consider which will benefit your child tremendously. First, get down to their level by lying on the floor with them. This gives them your face to look at, which helps their eyes to focus, encourages them to lift their heads, and builds facial recognition. Second, make sure to place and object about 1 foot from their face, which is black and white in color. You can use some sort of soft toy. Babies typically recognize black and white colors first. Once you see they are focusing on the object, try and move it slowly back and forth, getting their eyes to follow it. This builds the ability to recognize objects, helps strengthen their neck muscles, and is good practice to get their eyes tracking objects. Thirdly, it’s never too early to begin education. You can count their fingers and toes with them, which helps with body awareness. Obviously, they won’t understand counting yet, but it will help with getting to know their bodies and recognizing your voice. Also, this makes the activity a very interactive and bonding time for you both. The more involved you are, the more rewarding the experience.

Remember, this is a learning time for both of you. They are learning their bodies, and you are learning to be a parent. Because the most important thing is to enjoy raising your child.