NAA Applauds Decision to Compensate Poling Family, Calls for More Vaccine Research

ATLANTA, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Autism Association joins thousands of parents nationwide in support of the federal claims court's decision acknowledging that vaccines were responsible for the development of autism in Hannah Poling, who regressed developmentally after receiving nine vaccines on the same day.  Just 18 months old at the time, Hannah's health also declined dramatically in the aftermath of the shots.

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In what many parents are referring to as Orwellian doublespeak, the government determined that the vaccines Hannah received triggered an undiagnosed mitochondrial disorder that didn't "cause" the onset of autism but "resulted" in it.  "These word games fool no one," according to NAA board chair and parent Lori McIlwain.  "It's time for the government to admit that vaccines can and do cause autism in some children.  We need to learn from children like Hannah Poling and develop strategies for the prevention of further needless injuries."

As CBS News reported yesterday, nearly 1,300 cases of brain injuries resulting from vaccines have been compensated over the past 20 years.  Families who prevail in court cite brain injuries in more general terms in their cases rather than using the word "autism."  "We've got to stop thinking of autism as a mysterious disorder with no known causes," said NAA Executive Director Rita Shreffler.  "Parents who observe regression and failing health following vaccines are told it's just coincidence.  Many of us no longer buy that.  We know that our children suffered brain injury from vaccines, resulting in a diagnosis of autism."

Hannah's story reflects that of thousands of children around the country prompting parents and advocates to question the need for such an aggressive vaccine program.  In reviewing the nation's vaccine policy, NAA points out:

• The number of vaccinations in the current schedule is 49 by the age of six, a seven-fold increase since the late 1970's

• The cumulative effects of giving multiple vaccines in combination has never been studied

• Tests for underlying conditions that could be aggravated by vaccines, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, are not given prior to administering vaccines

• Comparison research of total health outcomes in vaccinated vs. non-vaccinated populations has never been conducted although data is available for study

"The CDC and other health agencies need to ensure that vaccines are as safe as possible," said Ms. McIlwain.  "The study of vaccinated versus unvaccinated populations is an important next step."

For more information about autism, visit www.nationalautism.org

SOURCE National Autism Association

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