The truth is out

     Hi, my name is Darcy and I…like Jenny McCarthy. It’s true. I admit it. From the time Jenny unknowingly entered my radar screen, when I attended a party at her (then) in-laws’ home and saw the autism ribbon magnet on their fridge, I withheld judgment. I wasn’t completely sold until today, but she’s now won me over. My liking her doesn’t mean I want to get rid of vaccines, nor does it mean I no longer trust my son’s doctor.

     My theory on autism, which I find incredibly reasonable, is that there’s a genetic component which is triggered by some assault on the system. (Note the word “triggered” instead of “caused.” There is a difference.) Be it a virus, an overdose of antibiotics, an auto-immune condition, or a toxic build-up that finally tips the scales – I think there’s something. I think it’s likely different for every kid. I have, since the moment we started treating C’s medical issues instead of his autism, believed there is a medical component that goes with his diagnosis. When C’s body feels better, he functions better and he’s happier.     

     Jenny feels as though vaccines triggered (or perhaps caused, I’m not sure about her semantics) her son’s autism, and I truly believe that happens in some kids. Our experience was different as C fit his diagnosis at birth. There was no regression in our house. Yet I wish I’d asked more questions, slowed down a bit and read more in those first years. I would’ve still vaccinated, but I would’ve done it in a more reasonable way. I would’ve ordered a thimerosal-free flu shot when C had his doctor-ordered flu shots at 6 months and 18 months. Because truth be told, while I don’t think vaccines triggered C’s autism, I don’t think they helped much either.

     As I listened to Jenny talk today on “The Doctors,” which I only caught by accident, I was struck by how reasonable she sounded. I didn’t see a raving lunatic anywhere on that stage (except, perhaps, for the doctor that threw what we call in our household, a “fit”). All I saw was a Mom sharing things such as the GF/CF diet and supplements that helped her child (much of which also helped mine), complete with a cautionary tale about blindly following doctor’s orders without question. I find it difficult to find fault with that.