Into the Fray Over the Cause of Autism (New York Times)

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Into the Fray Over the Cause of Autism
By BENEDICT CAREY
Published: March 4, 2008

“It’s indisputable that autism is on the rise among children,” Senator John McCain said while campaigning recently in Texas. “The question is, What’s causing it? And we go back and forth, and there’s strong evidence that indicates that it’s got to do with a preservative in vaccines.”

With that comment, Mr. McCain marked his entry into one of the most politicized scientific issues in a generation.

Mr. McCain is correct that autism diagnoses have increased in recent decades; no one disputes that. He is on much shakier ground when talking about the preservative as a cause.

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I sorta agree with McCain on this, although there are many times when I wish politics wouldn't get mixed with things that have absolutely nothing to do with politics, like environmental science (well, any kind of science), education, and so forth.

The reason that more kids are getting a dignosis, today, is because the screening process has been improved.

I think that more kids are being diagnosed partly because its getting more difficult to cope with being Autistic as society gets crazier, more hectic and sensorily challenging, so that difficulties and the resulting trauma show in behavior
Also I feel that the round hole that you are expected to pass through at school is becoming narrower by the minute.
The task of appearing 'normal' seems to be getting more and more difficult.
Also being a kid isnt as much fun as it used to be.
Less outside time and general freedom of small kids , in the UK and Ireland anyway.

A Limey writes... Isn't this the same guy that wants to be, and may well end up as, PRESIDENT of the USA! Wakey!Wakey! This means TROUBLE!

Gah, McCain just sounds incredibly uninformed. He doesn't even seem to realize how the autism spectrum has been officially changed during the past fifteen years. It'd be nice if politicians did a minimal amount of homework before opening their mouths.

McCain's ridiculous statement reminds me of an interesting newspaper article I read last week.

It said the rest of the world should be allowed to vote for the US President because it's too important a decision to leave to the US citizens (considering their poor voter turn out).

I'm starting to agree!

Helen