The Connection between Autism and Vaccines by Chicago Speech Therapy | Chicago Speech Therapy

The Connection between Autism and Vaccines by Chicago Speech Therapy

One of today’s most debated topics for parents of young children is the connection between autism and vaccinations.  As autism numbers in youth continue to rise, some speculate that the intense vaccination schedule for babies and toddlers is playing a part. Parents struggle with the weight of the decision to do what is best for their children amid an array of conflicting information. No parent wants to make the wrong decision, and listening to a fellow parent’s testimonial, rather than a pediatrician, can make the choice whether or not to vaccinate burdensome.

Contested Vaccinations

The debate arose as parents began to connect a series of autistic symptoms to the timing of children’s vaccinations. Autism, a neural development disorder, often begins to show symptoms between the ages of one and two, when children are receiving a large amount of vaccines to diseases such as hepatitis, polio, and tetanus. One of the most contested vaccinations is the MMR shot, used to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella, which is administered around 15 months of age. Many parents with autistic children believe that is when their children started exhibiting warning signs of autism, including a lack of eye contact and trouble recognizing loved ones, and feel the vaccinations are to blame.

Despite those contentions, the latest scientific evidence shows there is no connection between vaccinations and the development of autism. A 1998 medical paper that originally helped fuel the fire against the MMR shot was recently discredited, as the doctor was found to have a conflict of interest, having received funding from an anti-vaccination organization. Further studies regarding the connection between autism and vaccinations have not found any correlation; further illustrating the disorder is caused not by external stimuli but by genetic abnormalities.

Diagnosis of Autism

Diagnosis of autism is on the rise, as doctors, therapists, and parents become more adept at noticing early symptoms. Though there is broad range among autism patients, the most common signs are repetitive behavior, struggles with basic social development, and difficulty in communication.

Early detection is best in helping an autistic child achieve high functionality. Receiving a screening from a licensed pediatric speech therapist can help ensure proper treatment and course of action.

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"Elizabeth was an incredibly communicative and supportive therapist for our daughter. We saw impressive improvement quickly, and our 2yo often looked forward to their weekly sessions. Our daughter just graduated from speech and we're so grateful for Elizabeth's expertise, empathy, and support over the past year!"

"We had the most wonderful experience with Chicago Speech Therapy! Our speech pathologist, Miss Megan, developed a bond with our son almost immediately. By week two, he would await her arrival by the window in our front door! She quickly discovered all of his favorite things and would bring so many toys of her own that would keep him engaged and wanting to talk! She gave us (parents) tons of strategies to work with on our own in between her weekly visits. Our son made consistent progress under her care and has now been released from speech therapy ~ which actually makes us so sad ~ simply because we miss Miss Megan! She basically became part of our family and will be dearly missed. I couldn’t recommend Miss Megan and Chicago Speech Therapy more!"

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Our expert speech-language pathologists are equipped to address a wide range of communication challenges, providing tailored solutions for each child's unique needs. From early language development to complex communication disorders, we offer comprehensive support at every stage of your child's journey.