Anti-vaxxers like Trump aren't just wrong: they promote bigotry toward people with autism

[KamaAina]

http://www.vox.com/2015/9/17/9346685/republican-debate-trump-autism

"Autism," noted medical professional Donald Trump declared at Wednesday's Republican presidential debate, "is has become an epidemic. 25 years ago, 35 years ago, you look at the statistics, not even close. It's gotten totally out of control."

Trump proceeded to express his belief in a long-debunked conspiracy theory that holds that the introduction of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is responsible for the rise of autism diagnoses in recent decades. Critics like Vox's health reporter Julia Belluz have blasted him for engaging in that kind of irresponsible fear-mongering, and rightly so. But it's not the only thing wrong with Trump's statement....

What parents who believe in the MMR vaccine-autism link, and don't vaccinate as a consequence, are effectively saying is, "We're willing to increase our child's risk of death and serious illness in order to reduce their risk of getting autism."

That's appalling. Trump and other vaccine denialists may not realize this, but some of us on the autism spectrum don't view ourselves as deeply broken. We don't think we'd be better off dead. We think that we have a natural, and in many ways valuable, difference in how our brains work, and don't want to give that up. Obviously, people who have difficulty living independently or communicating should receive help. But implying that their lives, or any of our lives, are so awful that parents should be willing to put their kids in danger in order to prevent them from becoming like us is deeply, deeply offensive.

edit: Yes, bigotry toward Autistic people is a thing.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027182610

[HuckleB]

1. Recommended!

[Ilsa]

2. I heard a doctor say that autism was the biggest fear

She had for her baby when she was born. It turned out to be a non-issue, but she worked with a lot of autistic kids with severe behavioral problems. She understands the unique battles families face.

But Death was not preferred.

[mythology]

3. While I agree there is bias against people with autism

I don't know if the parents who decide to not vaccinate are decide that death is better than autism. I think that the discount the possibility of death because who dies from measles these days? Granted that's because of the level of vaccination, but it's the Cassandra dilemma. Vaccines in the U.S. have become so common because the medical community was so good at getting the word out that it seems like there is no danger so people forget the harm prevented.

Thus it becomes more that the idea is there's no perceived benefit to vaccines and a perceived potential for harm. Granted both are inaccurate, but there are millions of people who believe the earth is 6000 years old in this country.

[KamaAina]

4. A woman in Washington state, that's who

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026938374

[progressoid]

5. American Academy of Pediatrics Reiterates Safety and Importance of Vaccines

9/17/2015

by: Karen Remley, MD, MBA, MPH, FAAP, Executive Director, American Academy of Pediatrics​

“The American Academy of Pediatrics would like to correct false statements made during the Republican presidential debate last night regarding vaccin​es. Claims that vaccines are linked to autism, or are unsafe when administered according to the recommended schedule, have been disproven by a robust body of medical literature. It is dangerous to public health to suggest otherwise.

“There is no ‘alternative’ immunization schedule. Delaying vaccines only leaves a chil​d at risk of disease for a longer period of time; it does not make vaccinating safer.

“Vaccines work, plain and simple. Vaccines are one of the safest, most effective and most important medical innovations of our time. Pediatricians partner with parents to provide what is best for their child, and what is best is for children to be fully vaccinated.”

- See more at: https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/Pages/American-Academy-of-Pediatrics-Reiterates-Safety-and-Importance-of-Vaccines.aspx#sthash.ZidvjNPd.dpuf