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http://www.scottishsocialistvoice.net/back%20issues%2002/issue104.html

Urgent action needed to combat autism epidemic

by Bernard Thompson

Urgent action is now required to address a national emergency affecting 20,000 British children with autism.
That is the message from Action Against Autism founder, Bill Welsh, after the latest scientific tests revealed measles virus in the blood of some autistic children.
Innovative DNA tests, carried out in Dublin, known as TaqMan PCR, indicate that the measles virus gene is present in some autistic children who have had no other exposure to the measles.
That has prompted researchers and campaigners to call for further testing to establish a possible link with the controversial MMR vaccine.
Speaking to the Voice on Monday, Mr Welsh insisted:
"It is absolutely vital that the government takes immediate action to blood test every child diagnosed as autistic since MMR."
"That is the only way to establish whether measles virus is implicated in the epidemic of autism. This is a national emergency."
The findings could prove to be of profound significance in the treatment of autism and in the campaign to have single vaccines for children made available across the board.
Bill is adamant that an alternative to MMR must be offered immediately:
"It is my understanding that up to 500 children with autism will be tested for persistent chronic measles virus in their bloodstreams, gut and lymph nodes as part of a legal action currently taking place in London.
"It is vital that single vaccines are offered as a choice while tests are carried out."
Bill has been inundated with calls from parents, desperate to have their autistic children checked for traces of measles virus.
If the measles virus can be proven to be a factor in children developing autism, it would contradict conventional medical opinion in this country that has, as Bill explains, adhered to the traditional model of the disease, focusing on genetic and psychological factors.
Mr Welsh is clear in his opinion of the British medical response to autism. He said:
"The hierarchy of the medical profession has been incompetent in dealing with this human tragedy."
But Bill, whose seven year-old grandson, Luke, was diagnosed with autism at three years old, sees the latest findings as offering a glimmer of hope that progress can be made.
He is determined to see positive action taken in response to the prevalence of autism in the UK:
"This offers the potential for at least one avenue of treatment of the disease.
"Autism is being treated elsewhere and these treatments must be brought here.
"It is vital that we stand up and be counted."

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