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Please Moderator do not move this post. It is a prediction that this is what DN's next blog will cover. It is my understanding that Daniel had attended a fundraiser in LA for Autism last week. My Godchild (girl) was diagnosed with Autism within the past year and I do not think people realize how common Autism is in today's society and the numbers are growing. As of this year, 1 out of 150 children born in the US will be diagnosed with Autism. Males outnumber females 4-1. I never even gave it a second thought until it hit home and I find these numbers staggering and increasing every year. Daniel, when you get a chance, I would love to hear what you had learned at this Jenny McCarthy fundraiser and the impact it had on you. Let's take a break from global warming and shift here for a while. Now that Daniel has become a member of Pokerstar's elite, I would love to see a Pokerstar's Tournament to benefit the Autism Research Institute. Daniel, motivate the people at Pokerstar's to create an event so that the people of the poker world can leave their mark in helping a disorder that has such staggering odds. I know you are very busy, but hit the blog with this when you can. Greetings from Michigan!! We will try to keep the snow away if you are coming to town for Thanksgiving this year.Peace,Mike

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This is a growing concern and having a 2 year old and one on the way, some of the research is suggesting that vacinations are a main cause in these increased numbers. I am now 31 and when I was vacinated it was for 4 or 5 things. My son will have ovew 50 vacinations by the time he is 3. MMR(measles, mumps, rubella) is supposed to be the leading cuase of this, we have not decided what we are going to do with our little girls yet.

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This is a growing concern and having a 2 year old and one on the way, some of the research is suggesting that vacinations are a main cause in these increased numbers. I am now 31 and when I was vacinated it was for 4 or 5 things. My son will have ovew 50 vacinations by the time he is 3. MMR(measles, mumps, rubella) is supposed to be the leading cuase of this, we have not decided what we are going to do with our little girls yet.
Link on WebMD
Several medical studies have shown no link between autism and the MMR vaccine. And several premier medical organizations have concluded that there is no link between autism and thimerosal.The CDC says there is no evidence to suggest a link. The Institute of Medicine, a nonprofit, nongovernment organization, takes it one step further and says the MMR vaccine absolutely does not cause autism.Since 1999, when the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that thimerosal be taken out of vaccines as a precautionary measure, kids’ exposure to the preservative has dropped significantly.
Basically, it does not appear to be vaccine related, but because there is no other explanation, the story will not die. The possible explanations listed at the end of the article appear inadequate. While there appears to be a genetic component, that doesn't explain the sudden increase.At this point, though, it appears that the danger from childhood diseases outweighs the slim possibility that the vaccines cause autism. First, there appears to be no statistical correlation between shots and autism, and second, there is no explanation of how it *could* cause autism. Coincidental timing between diagnosis and the vaccines is not proof, that's just when autism can be diagnosed.At this point, most thimerosal has been removed from vaccines, and that was the suspected cause, so kids now are even safe from that.None of this is definitive. The controversy rages on, and will until the rise in autism is explained.
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Link on WebMDBasically, it does not appear to be vaccine related, but because there is no other explanation, the story will not die. The possible explanations listed at the end of the article appear inadequate. While there appears to be a genetic component, that doesn't explain the sudden increase.At this point, though, it appears that the danger from childhood diseases outweighs the slim possibility that the vaccines cause autism. First, there appears to be no statistical correlation between shots and autism, and second, there is no explanation of how it *could* cause autism. Coincidental timing between diagnosis and the vaccines is not proof, that's just when autism can be diagnosed.At this point, most thimerosal has been removed from vaccines, and that was the suspected cause, so kids now are even safe from that.None of this is definitive. The controversy rages on, and will until the rise in autism is explained.
Can you send me that article or a link, I would like to read it.
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Can you send me that article or a link, I would like to read it.
Just click on the 'Link on WebMD' just above the story.I looked up a couple other sources, too. It appears that as of 2004/2005, it was still undecided. Stories from the past couple years seem to indicate that there is no link. Again, not definitive, but it's getting there.
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If anyone is going through this with a child and wants to discuss this with someone who has been through it I would be more then happy to do so.My son was diagnosed with Autism at 2 years old and after 3 years of fighting, therapies, psychologists, DAN doctors, diets, speech, ABA, vaccine rebellion, etc etc my son lost his diagnosis and has been attending a regular education class room since kindergarden. He is now 8 years old and you would not be able to look at him interacting with kids and ever tell he had this disability.The biggest thing I tell people is that Autism is not a disease, its a behavior and behaviors can be modified with therapy training and chemical balance of the brain, gut, and entire body. We NEVER used drugs, all natural vitamins, supplements, diets, etc.We thank God every day for the miracle of his 'recovery'

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This is a growing concern and having a 2 year old and one on the way, some of the research is suggesting that vacinations are a main cause in these increased numbers. I am now 31 and when I was vacinated it was for 4 or 5 things. My son will have ovew 50 vacinations by the time he is 3. MMR(measles, mumps, rubella) is supposed to be the leading cuase of this, we have not decided what we are going to do with our little girls yet.
I have very strong opinions and recommendations on this if you want to discuss in private.
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I have very strong opinions and recommendations on this if you want to discuss in private.
thats great to hear. I have a 2 yr old and I worry about this alot. Although he shows no signs its always in the back of my mind. It is amazing how many cases have come up recently and the vaccine thing scares me and my wife obv. Its great about your son I bet it gives so many people hope. Thanks for sharing.
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Daniel,I have read your most recent blog and want to raise the following points:I am a Pediatrician in Toronto and want you to know that doctors like myself share the same concerns and frustrations as the families of autistic children. It is a very complex disorder that is both difficult to diagnose and treat. There is no doubt that the incidence of autism is on the rise but no one yet knows why. A few years ago there was a small study done in Britain that raised the possibility that autism may be linked to the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine. Since that time many large studies have looked into this issue, most notably a European study involving over 300,000 children, and have concluded that the link with MMR does not exist. In this European study 1/2 of the children had received MMR and 1/2 had not. There was no difference in the rates of autism in both groups, and in fact there were fewer children with autism in the MMR group (not statistically significant). The authors of the original British study have since republished and stated that they were wrong.Bottom line is that the link between MMR and autism is unfounded. There is no controversy any longer in the medical community. Any scientists/doctors saying otherwise are not relying on scientific evidence. Just like you can still find scientists who say that global warming is not real, you can also find a few scientists who perpetuate the myth of a link between autism and MMR.Anytime a doctor recommends a vaccine for a child it is always a matter of weighing the risks and the benfits of the particular vaccine. No one can say that vaccines are 100% risk free, but what we can can say is that the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the risks of getting the particular disease. Even with something like chicken pox, there is a 3-5 % complication risk. This includes encephalitis, pneumonia, and necrotizing fasciitis. Even though you and your friends didn't get these complications, many other children do and suffer very severe consequences.I fully support the idea of working hard to understand the cause(s) of autism and treating both the physcial and behavioural components of the condition, but lets not unnecessarily demonize one the single greatest medical breakthroughs of the last century that has contributed to a dramatic reduction in infant/childhood mortality and increased life expectancy, namely childhood vaccines.

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Daniel,I have read your most recent blog and want to raise the following points:I am a Pediatrician in Toronto and want you to know that doctors like myself share the same concerns and frustrations as the families of autistic children. It is a very complex disorder that is both difficult to diagnose and treat. There is no doubt that the incidence of autism is on the rise but no one yet knows why. A few years ago there was a small study done in Britain that raised the possibility that autism may be linked to the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine. Since that time many large studies have looked into this issue, most notably a European study involving over 300,000 children, and have concluded that the link with MMR does not exist. In this European study 1/2 of the children had received MMR and 1/2 had not. There was no difference in the rates of autism in both groups, and in fact there were fewer children with autism in the MMR group (not statistically significant). The authors of the original British study have since republished and stated that they were wrong.Bottom line is that the link between MMR and autism is unfounded. There is no controversy any longer in the medical community. Any scientists/doctors saying otherwise are not relying on scientific evidence. Just like you can still find scientists who say that global warming is not real, you can also find a few scientists who perpetuate the myth of a link between autism and MMR.Anytime a doctor recommends a vaccine for a child it is always a matter of weighing the risks and the benfits of the particular vaccine. No one can say that vaccines are 100% risk free, but what we can can say is that the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the risks of getting the particular disease. Even with something like chicken pox, there is a 3-5 % complication risk. This includes encephalitis, pneumonia, and necrotizing fasciitis. Even though you and your friends didn't get these complications, many other children do and suffer very severe consequences.I fully support the idea of working hard to understand the cause(s) of autism and treating both the physcial and behavioural components of the condition, but lets not unnecessarily demonize one the single greatest medical breakthroughs of the last century that has contributed to a dramatic reduction in infant/childhood mortality and increased life expectancy, namely childhood vaccines.
:club::D :D :D(That's what I meant above, but I wasn't so eloquent).
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i have read that autism rates have skyrocketed in california, and basically since all the tech jobs started to pop up there. a theory was that a lot of 'geeks' were now hooking up in cali, and this lead to the increase. before they were not as likely to meet someone to reproduce, but the computer jobs and the internet changed all that.not my opinion, just what i read somewhere.

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i have read that autism rates have skyrocketed in california, and basically since all the tech jobs started to pop up there. a theory was that a lot of 'geeks' were now hooking up in cali, and this lead to the increase. before they were not as likely to meet someone to reproduce, but the computer jobs and the internet changed all that.not my opinion, just what i read somewhere.
Seriously??? What???You just said that computer engineers procreating cause autism.Why would you say something as asinine as that, even if you "read it somewhere"
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Seriously??? What???You just said that computer engineers procreating cause autism.Why would you say something as asinine as that, even if you "read it somewhere"
it has to do with personal interactions, something a lot of 'geeks' have trouble with. it's a major issue as we learn more about it.just saying that it was something i read, and thought maybe someone would post something that either supports it or dismisses it, with evidence of course.for the record, i do not think autistic people are geeks. all i'm saying is that i read that there might be a migratory/technical/genetic reason behind the increased rates. people have the opinion that vaccines may be the culprit, i am just posting an alternative theory. i do not mean to insult anyone.i am not talking about computer engineers only, unless that's an umbrella term u r using for all IT/web people.
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You were right OP, Daniels latest blog is about this topic...http://www.fullcontactpoker.com/poker-jour...&ucat=&I'll bet just about everyone has been touched in one way or another with this affliction. I feel so badly for the parents and the children and just don't know how they manage to get thru it. It is just a horrible/helpless thing to witness. My heart goes out to you folks.on a side note DN, 3-woods rule (LOL..."I almost quit golf".....bawaahhahahaaahaaaa!!!!)

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on a side note DN, 3-woods rule (LOL..."I almost quit golf".....bawaahhahahaaahaaaa!!!!)
Yeah, DN quitting golf is about as likely as nutzbuster quitting poker......
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I have a 6 year old with Autism and I can tell you it is rough. I appreciate Daniel and all that have done anything to bring this to the forefront of society's radar. I would love to hear from other Dad's and get their perspective on what worked for them and their families. Birddog

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Almost hard to believe it's 1 in 150. I had no idea Autism was such an escalating problem.

Seriously??? What???You just said that computer engineers procreating cause autism.Why would you say something as asinine as that, even if you "read it somewhere"
When it comes to him, don't, ever.
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Daniel,I have read your most recent blog and want to raise the following points:I am a Pediatrician in Toronto and want you to know that doctors like myself share the same concerns and frustrations as the families of autistic children. It is a very complex disorder that is both difficult to diagnose and treat. There is no doubt that the incidence of autism is on the rise but no one yet knows why. A few years ago there was a small study done in Britain that raised the possibility that autism may be linked to the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine. Since that time many large studies have looked into this issue, most notably a European study involving over 300,000 children, and have concluded that the link with MMR does not exist. In this European study 1/2 of the children had received MMR and 1/2 had not. There was no difference in the rates of autism in both groups, and in fact there were fewer children with autism in the MMR group (not statistically significant). The authors of the original British study have since republished and stated that they were wrong.Bottom line is that the link between MMR and autism is unfounded. There is no controversy any longer in the medical community. Any scientists/doctors saying otherwise are not relying on scientific evidence. Just like you can still find scientists who say that global warming is not real, you can also find a few scientists who perpetuate the myth of a link between autism and MMR.Anytime a doctor recommends a vaccine for a child it is always a matter of weighing the risks and the benfits of the particular vaccine. No one can say that vaccines are 100% risk free, but what we can can say is that the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the risks of getting the particular disease. Even with something like chicken pox, there is a 3-5 % complication risk. This includes encephalitis, pneumonia, and necrotizing fasciitis. Even though you and your friends didn't get these complications, many other children do and suffer very severe consequences.I fully support the idea of working hard to understand the cause(s) of autism and treating both the physcial and behavioural components of the condition, but lets not unnecessarily demonize one the single greatest medical breakthroughs of the last century that has contributed to a dramatic reduction in infant/childhood mortality and increased life expectancy, namely childhood vaccines.
Very, Very well put. I am currently a 2nd year med student and we recently had several lectures on vaccines and their possible risks. While there are some risks, the key point that you made holds true-in almost all cases the risk of a negative effect from the vaccine is outweighed by the vaccine's positive effects. It worries me that people might not get their children vaccinated because of a fear of causing autism when studies over the past few years (including the large one you talked about) have shown absolutely no connection between the two. If you don't want to get your kids vaccinated, I hope people at least refuse the vaccine because of actual risks associated with it.On a second note, Daniel's blog makes a good point that autism is often overlooked as a serious problem in our country. Hopefully research in the medical field will continue to progress to a point where we can find better ways to help these patients and perhpas even discover a cure. Kudos to Daniel for supporting a good cause.
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Almost hard to believe it's 1 in 150. I had no idea Autism was such an escalating problem.When it comes to him, don't, ever.
whatever noob. continue to look for arguments that aren't there.
ahhhhh, you guys have the same FCP birthday, that's cute.
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i have read that autism rates have skyrocketed in california, and basically since all the tech jobs started to pop up there. a theory was that a lot of 'geeks' were now hooking up in cali, and this lead to the increase. before they were not as likely to meet someone to reproduce, but the computer jobs and the internet changed all that.not my opinion, just what i read somewhere.
I know I've heard this in a movie, but I can't remember which one (I want to say something with Giovanni Rabisi, maybe Boiler Room). One character makes this claim, explaining that a lot of the tech guys that work in Silicon Valley are borderline autistic. I don't know if the line from the movie was based on real research or anything though.This kinda hits home because I am a software engineer, and seem to have some traits common in autistic people. I certainly wouldn't say I am autistic, but I do have a 2 yr old boy. He's doing great now (really smart actually, brag post), but from what I've read he's not to an age where he's 'in the clear.'
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This is the heading of the articleThe Geek SyndromeAutism - and its milder cousin Asperger's syndrome - is surging among the children of Silicon Valley. Are math-and-tech genes to blame?Heres the articlehttp://www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/aspergers_pr.htmlbetter source time magazinehttp://www.time.com/time/covers/1101020506/scautism.htmlMy best friend teaches autistic kids and they come to my store twice a year for a day out. Great kids lots of personality. Doug Flutie does a tonne of charity work for the cause and raised my awareness about it.

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